Diana Ross joins celebrities like CNN contributor Angela Rye, Ben Affleck, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West who had a rocky encounter with a TSA agent. The music icon said the female agent made her “feel violated.”
Legendary “I’m Coming Out” singer Diana Ross says an encounter with a TSA agent at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport left her feeling “violated.” The 75-year-old entertainer broke the news Sunday on the social networking channel Twitter.
What happened between Diana Ross and a New Orleans TSA agent?
Saturday, Ross performed at the 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, she said the public treated her royalty. However, when she arrived at the New Orleans airport, the mood changed.
The “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” artist said a female TSA agent made her feel uncomfortable — she claims the woman put her hands between her legs front and back.
Its not what was done but how , I am feeling violated – I still feel her hands between my legs , front and back ( saying to me it her job ,) WOW!!really mixed emotions I always like to see the good things but not feeling good right now
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) May 5, 2019
Ross wrote: “OK so on one hand I’m treated like royalty in New Orleans and at the airport I was treated like shit. Let me be clear , Not the peiple or Delta BUT TSA, was over the top!! Makes me want to cry!!!”
She continued with: “Its not what was done but how, I am feeling violated – I still feel her hands between my legs, front and back ( saying to me it her job,) WOW!!really mixed emotions I always like to see the good things but not feeling good right now.”
Three hours later, she returned to Twitter to write: “Im feeling better, it took a minute.”
TSA responds to Diana Ross’ claims
A spokesperson for the agency has addressed the issue brought forward by the music icon. The person explained: “TSA is committed to ensuring all travelers are treated with respect and courtesy. TSA is aware of concerns presented by Diana Ross about her screening experience at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport this morning.”
The rep added: “Initial review of CCTV indicates that the officers involved with Ms. Ross’s screening correctly followed all protocols, however, TSA will continue to investigate the matter further. We encourage Ms. Ross to reach out to TSA so we can further explain our procedures, designed to protect travelers from a persistent threat.”
Ross was flying with Delta, and the company has not addressed the matter. Ross is not the first celebrity to make those kinds of claims.
Most online commenters said they feel sorry for what happened. One of them stated: “Thank you for an amazing show!! Please come back to New Orleans! I’m sorry about your experience with TSA.”
However, some critics have pointed out that average Americans get the same treatment at airports around the country every day and do not get to complain about it. Those voices say celebrities should stop feeling entitled and expect to be treated like royalty everywhere they go.