Queer Eye star Tan France claims he was racially profiled at airport

Photo credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic - Getty Images
Photo credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic - Getty Images

From Digital Spy

Queer Eye star Tan France has hit out at the US’s Transport Security Administration (TSA) as he claimed that he was racially profiled at an airport.

The reality star took to Twitter this week and said that he was "put through extra security checks" on three occasions in the past week.

"I’ve been put through extra security checks 3 times this week, and was just told by a TSA agent it’s because my name is on a list," he said. "WTF? I’m brown but that does NOT mean I’m a damn security risk!!!"

Tan later elaborated in an Instagram story (via Daily Mail): "I've just gone through security at the airport, it took me over two hours. And this is now the third time this week."

He added: "What happens is when you're checking in, they tell you that you can't use your Precheck because there's a security issue.

"At that point they take you out of line, and then they search you, and they give you a pat down - which is humiliating - where they check everything. And then they go through all your bags - and they take a good 45 minutes to go through your bag.

"So the reason why I wanted to post this is so I can tag TSA and hopefully they'll see this at some point and figure out why the f**k they're treating me like this. Because I know the answer. I know why I'm being profiled."

TSA later responded to Tan on Twitter, writing: "We're sorry to hear this. DHS TRIP can provide resolution to travelers with difficulties getting through security and inspection at airport checkpoints."

In a statement (via E! News), they added: "All airline passengers, regardless of race, gender, or religion, are thoroughly screened at airport screening checkpoints.

"TSA cannot comment on the security designation for specific individuals, and there are a number of reasons a passenger can be selected for additional screening, including by random designation."


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