Marlon Wayans has accused United Airlines (UAL) of "racism and classism" in a series of Instagram posts, owing to an incident involving his luggage.
While flying out of Denver International Airport, the stand-up comedian and actor, who was recently in “Air” and is also known for the “Scary Movie” franchise, “Requiem for a Dream” and “In Living Color,” alleges that he treated unfairly last Friday by an employee who told him he had too many bags to board his flight.
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Wayans said he attempted to comply “consolidated" two bags into one, but was then told "now you have to check that bag."
Wayans was later issued tickets by the Denver Police Department for disturbing the peace, authorities confirmed. He was released, but ended up missing a stand-up gig in Kansas City, Mo.
He confirmed the citation in an Instagram post, saying the gate agent "tried to lie and say I assaulted him," and "The video clearly shows I never touched him.”
He added that "I've flown over 15,000,000 miles in my lifetime and I rarely have had problems. Anyone knows who knows me knows I'm a mild mannered dude. This agent was clearly picking on me."
Wayans alleges he encountered "harassment" from the airline and plans to "make enough noise" to draw attention to the unfair treatment. "Black people [experience] all kinds of racism and classism," he said. "I won't allow this. Over a bag? Y'all owe me money for my shows I missed, y'all owe me for my troubles, y'all owe my fans a damn apology," he added. "This was the highest level of disrespect."
A spokesperson for United said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly: "A customer who had been told he would have to gate-check his bag instead pushed past a United employee at the jet bridge and attempted to board the aircraft."
