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| Mo'nique kicked off flight over hairdryer |
Comedian Mo'Nique won't be flying the unfriendly skies with United again.
The "Phat Girlz" actress was seated in first class when an altercation over a hair dryer prompted United Airlines to boot her off the plane in what she describes as a "humiliating" incident, reports the New York Daily News.
"I felt like I was being treated like an animal," she says. "This happens to black people all the time, and they don't have a voice. I have a voice. I won't [fly United again], and I hope no other black person will fly them either,""
The hubbub began when Mo'Nique's hair stylist, who was seated in coach, crossed the line of privilege when she tried to store Mo'Nique's hair dryer in a first class bin. A flight attendant expressed doubt about who actually owned the appliance, and words were exchanged.
"Tell your people that the next time they have an attitude, they are being thrown off. ... Since 9/11, we don't play around," one flight attendant allegedly told Mo'Nique, who reportedly replied, "Are you equating my hair dryer with 9/11?"
She was escorted off the plane to meet with police officers, only one of whom was black and therefore, allegedly sympathetic to her plight. Eventually, she was able to book another flight in order to get her to New York in time to tape two episodes of "The View" as guest host.
"We regret that Ms. Imes felt in any way that she was not treated with courtesy and respect," ways United spokeswoman Jean Medina. "There was a confrontation involving a customer that caused the flight to be delayed. When a situation occurs on a flight that causes a delay, or disruption, we must act in the best interest of all of our customers."
Mo'Nique, 38, starred in "The Parkers," hosted "Showtime at the Apollo" and recently hosted her second annual "Mo'Nique's F.A.T. Chance" beauty pageant for the full-figured woman. She currently co-stars opposite Helen Mirren, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Stephen Dorff and Macy Gray in the feature "Shadowboxer." Her other film credits include "Baby Boy," "Domino," "Phat Girlz" and the upcoming "Farce of the Penguins."
