Andre recounted his ordeal, stating he was “pulled out of a lineup and put in a particular line in Melbourne the place I used to be sniffed completely by a canine.” He emphasised that this was not an remoted incident, saying, “It is one of many many occasions I have been racially profiled on the airport.” He urged folks of color to be cautious when travelling by way of Melbourne Airport, particularly by way of Qantas Worldwide by Terminal 2.
Based on 9news, The comic introduced his intent to seek the advice of a discrimination lawyer relating to the incident and sought data on the racial demographics of passengers subjected to extra safety checks. Andre burdened his need to not journey alone by way of Melbourne Airport sooner or later as a result of security considerations.
“I don’t wish to be humiliated or racially discriminated in opposition to anymore at these airports,” he stated. Moreover, he said, “I do not wish to lower my hair and put on a three-piece swimsuit in order that I am handled like a first-class citizen. I should not be made to really feel that I’m unaccepted by coming into a rustic. Disgrace on the folks on the Melbourne Airport who’ve this cockamamie process. I doubt it yields any safer world for anyone in Melbourne or Australia.”
Melbourne Airport didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark from 9news. Nonetheless, a spokesperson addressed Andre’s Instagram submit, stating the airport is investigating his claims.
“Melbourne Airport doesn’t tolerate racism in any type,” the remark learn. “We’re following up your grievance with the Australian Border Pressure (ABF) and the Division of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) who’re in control of processing all worldwide arrivals at Melbourne Airport and different Australian worldwide gateways. Melbourne Airport is proudly the gateway to probably the most multicultural cities on this planet. We welcome ALL passengers to Melbourne, and we count on everybody to be handled equally.”
Andre’s allegations of racial profiling will not be new. In 2022, he and fellow comic Clayton English sued an airport in Atlanta, alleging racial profiling. Although the case was dismissed, they’re presently interesting the choice.
