Southwest has explaining to do after its flight attendants decided to boot The L Word star Leisha Hailey off its flight after what the airline called “excessive kissing” with her girlfriend, Entertainment Weekly reports.
Outraged by the discrimination, Hailey turned to Twitter. “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.”
Southwest denied allegations of any discrimination against the star, citing only that their actions were based on Hailey’s behavior.
“Initial reports indicate that we received several passenger complaints characterizing the behavior as excessive. Our crew, responsible for the comfort of all customers on board, approached the passengers based solely on behavior and not gender. The conversation escalated to a level that was better resolved on the ground, as opposed to in flight.”
Southwest is the largest carrier in terms of flights out of San Diego, accounting for a third of all flights in and out of Lindbergh Field. It is also the official airline of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA), and the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
