Earlier this week, Leisha Hailey claimed that Southwest kicked her and her partner off of a flight because of a harmless lesbian kiss. But according to a statement released today by Southwest, it wasn’t the gay PDA that got the L-Word star kicked off of her flight, it was Hailey’s use of profanity.
Southwest said in a statement:
“Additional reports from our Employees and Customers onboard flight 2274 during a stop in El Paso on Sunday now confirm profane language was being used loudly by two passengers. At least one family who was offended by the loud profanity moved to another area of the cabin.”
Radar reports that Southwest did acknowledge that some customers reported an excessive “public display of affection,” but the airline insists that it was the aggressive reaction that ultimately led to the pair’s removal.
Southwest added:
“We do not tolerate discrimination against anyone for any reason. In this situation, their removal was directly and solely related to the escalated conversation that developed onboard the aircraft.”
After clearing up the situation, Southwest goes on to pat itself on the back. Southwest said that they celebrate diversity among their customers and employees, and that ALL people are valued and welcome on their flights.
Southwest added:
“We’ve been recognized as a leader in diversity throughout our 40 years of service.”
When Leisha Hailey was kicked off of the flight she immediately took to Twitter to announce her disgust with the airline.
Hailey tweeted:
“I have been discriminated against by @ SouthwestAir . Flt. attendant said that it was a “family” airline and kissing was not ok… This is an outrage. I demand a public apology by @ SouthwestAir and a refund. Hate is not a family value. I will never fly this airline.”
Do you think Leisha Hailey was really discriminated against by Southwest? Or did she use the fact that she was a lesbian as a scapegoat for her behavior?
