US comedian Eric André accuses Melbourne Airport staff of ‘racial profiling’ after he’s pulled out of line and ‘sniffed thoroughly’ by dog
As an ardent fan of Eric André’s comedic genius, it is disheartening to learn about his recent ordeal at Melbourne Airport. Having followed his career since the days of “The Eric Andre Show,” I have come to appreciate not only his hilarious antics but also his unapologetic stance on social issues.
A well-known American comedian and actor claims that Melbourne Airport exhibited racial bias towards individuals of color, following an incident where he was unexpectedly inspected and questioned by customs agents.
41-year-old Eric André vented on social media following an unexpected sniffing dog check upon his arrival in Melbourne on Monday.
The Florida born entertainer claimed he was stopped by by staff in terminal two following a 25 hour flight from New York.
He shared on Instagram that he was taken from the regular line, placed in a specific queue in Melbourne, and had a thorough inspection by a dog, which he described in his post.
‘It’s one of the many times I’ve been racially profiled at the airport.
‘So this is a message for all black, brown and Indigenous people travelling through Melbourne today, especially if you’re travelling Qantas International by terminal two, please be careful.
‘They are searching black, brown and indigenous people.’
On the Eric Andre Show, the host made a promise never to visit Melbourne Airport on his own again. He kindly asked that anyone arranging travel for him in the city also secures a police escort for safety reasons.
André requested that his followers share with him the phone number for Melbourne Airport’s complaint department and contact information for any lawyers specializing in discrimination cases within Australia, due to a recent event.
André traveled first from New York to Los Angeles, then continued his journey to Brisbane, and finally reached Melbourne as the last stop on his trip.
He claims it was the only airport where he was pulled aside by customs officials.
‘Shame on the people at the Melbourne airport that have this cockamamie procedure,’ he said.
I prefer not to experience embarrassment or racial bias, and I also don’t feel compelled to alter my appearance, such as changing my hairstyle or wearing formal attire, in order to be recognized and respected as an equal.
It’s not right or fair… This situation seems to have no connection to ensuring safety, but rather appears to be tied to racial discrimination. I’m skeptical that this contributes to making the world a safer place for anyone living in Melbourne or Australia.
‘I do not feel safe in the Melbourne airport.’
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that statement as follows: In a humorous analogy, the comedian compared the process to the “street checks” associated with Rudy Giuliani, a former New York mayor, notorious for his contentious approach to crime reduction.
Police were permitted to briefly hold, interrogate, and occasionally inspect individuals whom they suspected could potentially endanger the public by means of temporary stop-and-searches.
As a person of color living in a city with a history of racial profiling, I find it disheartening to learn that an initiative targeted such a large percentage of people like me for frisking. In 2017, a staggering 90% of those stopped were African American or Latino men, including myself and many of my friends. This experience is all too familiar for us, and it feels like we are constantly being singled out and treated unfairly. It’s important to address the root causes of racial profiling and work towards a more equitable society where everyone can feel safe and respected.
In addition, André challenged the effectiveness of using sniffer dogs, citing a UNSW study that labeled this method as an “inefficient approach” in his report.
The research indicates that not just are drug sniffing dogs inefficient, but their use could potentially elevate the danger associated with drugs.
André expressed his discomfort about feeling unwelcome upon entering a country, and he mentioned his desire to research the data related to that particular program’s outcomes.
The online tirade prompted a response from Melbourne Airport, which revealed in the comments that it would follow up on André’s complaints.
A spokesperson told 7News that the airport doesn’t tolerate racism of any kind.
In their words, Melbourne Airport serves as a welcoming entrance to one of the world’s most diverse urban centers.
‘We welcome all passengers to Melbourne and we expect everyone to be treated equally.’
Daily Mail Australia contacted Melbourne Airport, the Australian Federal Police, and Eric André seeking their responses.
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2024-08-19 16:55