A Brazilian plus-size model has accused Qatar Airways of denying her boarding due to her weight.
Model and influencer Juliana Nehme, who has 153,000 Instagram followers, posted a strongly-worded caption about the incident, as well as filming the staff member who she says barred her from flying.
Ms Nehme starts by saying that she had flown with Air France on her outward journey to Lebanon, with no problems.
“I came on an economy ticket and did not experience any embarrassment or harassment,” she says.
While in Lebanon, she says, “I bought a return ticket to Brazil through Qatar, and arriving at the time to check in, a Qatari stewardess called my mother … and I told her I WASN’T WELCOME TO BOARD BECAUSE I’M FAT. And they weren’t going to receive me on the flight!”
In an incident that appears to have taken place on Thursday, she says Qatar staff would only let her board if she bought a business class ticket for $3,000. She says she had already paid $1,000 for her initial ticket, which staff did not offer to refund.
Ms Nehme adds: “I tried until the end to allow me to fly, since we were four people travelling together, and she REFUSED UNTIL THE END to sell me the ticket! I stayed for almost two hours begging to travel. My mum tried everything.”
She also alleges that one of the staffers “pushed” her during the confrontation, saying “I was threatened”.
“When I tried to record what they were doing, the girl at the counter pushed me and it didn’t help.”
The 38-year-old model, who lives in Sao Paulo, says in her caption that she is now stuck in Lebanon. Two of her party – Ms Nehme’s sister and nephew – were able to return to Brazil.
Meanwhile she and her mother have remained in Lebanon since the incident.
“I’m having hotel and taxi expenses that I didn’t need! I don’t have the money to keep me here any longer. And they said I have to pay for another ticket for my mum and to upgrade mine to [business class].
“I was extremely humiliated in front of all the people at the airport! All because I’m FAT! Shame on a company like Qatar to allow this type of DISCRIMINATION to people! I’m FAT But I’m JUST LIKE EVERYONE!” she said.
“It’s not fair to buy my ticket and be HUMILIATED, THREATENED AND BARRED FROM FLYING!”
However, an airline representative told The Independent Ms Nehme had been denied…
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