Tan France.Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty
Tan France has accused airport security of racially profiling him.
TheQueer Eyefashion guru, 35, says he was stopped three separate times this week while traveling because TSA told him that his name was on a list of people considered to be threats.
Tan France’s tweet.Twitter
“I am f— fuming,” hebeganthe lengthy video. “I just got through security at the airport. It took me over two hours and that’s the third time this week.”
The British stylist then went on to explain that he has TSA pre-check, a program that allows screened passengers to go through an expedited security screening at U.S. airports, and that usually allows him to get through customs within 15-20 minutes.
“So here’s how this goes down, and it’s gone down three times this week,” France continued. “What happens is when you’re checking in, they tell you that you can’t use your pre-check because there’s a security issue.”
Kelly Sullivan/Getty
“And then when you get through to the area, 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,” he said. “And then they go through all your bags, and they take a good 45 minutes to go through your bag.”
Even after making it through to his gate, France acknowledged some of the confusion that occurs because of the unusual stamps that were added to his boarding pass from the TSA agents.
“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— they’re treating me like this,” France finished. “Because I know the answer. I know why I’m being profiled.”
A rep for France did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
TSA’s response tweet.Twitter
A spokesperson for TSA also issued a statement to PEOPLE about the incident, explaining that “All airline passengers, regardless of race, gender, or religion, are thoroughly screened at airport screening checkpoints.”
“Any traveler who believes he or she has been unfairly or incorrectly delayed or denied boarding can work through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program to resolve the issue.”
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“That really gets me every time,” France said.
source: people.com
