Leisha Hailey
Since when is showing affection towards someone you love illegal?
Leisha Hailey has demanded an apology from officials at America's Southwest Airlines after she was kicked off a flight on Monday (26Sep11).
The L Word star is fuming about the humiliating incident, claiming she was asked to leave the plane for simply smooching with her partner, Camila Grey, onboard.
In a series of posts on her Twitter.com page, she raged, "I have been discriminated against by SouthwestAir. Flt (Flight) 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. We were escorted off the plane for getting upset about the issue. SouthwestAir endorses homophobic employees. No one made her accountable."
Hailey is also calling on gay men and lesbians to boycott the airline, adding, "Since when is showing affection towards someone you love illegal? Boycott @SouthwestAir if you are gay. They don't like us."
Chiefs at the company were quick to address the controversy, admitting Hailey was asked to leave the flight - but only after other passengers complained about her "excessive" behaviour.
A statement to TMZ.com reads, "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.
"We are ready to work directly with the passengers involved to offer our heartfelt apologies for falling short of their expectation."