A Sikh American actor and designer who was barred from boarding a flight from Mexico City to New York because of his turban and beard is finding support from other Sikhs and celebrities.
Waris Ahluwalia was wearing a traditional religious Sikh turban when he tried to board an Aeromexico flight Monday as he was returning to New York for fashion week.
He said he was barred from boarding because he would not remove the turban.
As news of the incident spread, prominent Sikhs, celebrities and civil rights groups took to Twitter to support Ahluwalia.
The Sikh Coalition also posted a list of demands, including requesting more training for staff screening passengers.
Aeromexico released a statement Monday saying it "renews its commitment to transport all passengers regardless of their religion, social status or gender. The airline, however, is required to meet the federal safety requirements outlined by the United States' Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for review of selected passengers traveling to the United States. The airline regrets any inconvenience any passenger could perceive due to the application of these procedures."
