Entertainment / Celebrity
Kelis slams 'racist' attack at UK airport
16 Sep 2011 at 10:50hrs | Views
The American singer Kelis took to Twitter claiming she was labelled a 'slave' by a middle-aged white man as she was travelling home to America with her two-year-old son Knight after performing at Bestival on the Isle Of Wight over the weekend.
The incident took place when Kelis was accused of queue-jumping by a 'red-faced sweaty man (I use the word man loosely here)'.
She went on to say he then called her 'slave' and declared she was 'probably a disgusting Nigerian'.
The R&B singer explained: 'He called me kunta kinte and ranted and raved some more.
'The man behind the passport desk laughed, shook his head in agreement I guess, and said "kunta kinte".
Mr Johnson wrote in his letter to Mr Whiteman chief executive of the UK Border Agency, that he was 'alarmed' by the reports of her experience.
He said: 'Can I take this opportunity to encourage you to remind all UKBA staff that they are the face and voice of modern Britain - the first people we encounter when we come home, the first people visitors encounter when they come to our shores.
'It is critical for the success of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games next summer that visitors from all over the globe have a great experience from beginning to end of their stay and that we showcase the UK at its best.
'The Olympics is a one-off opportunity to reinforce London's reputation for another generation as the best big city in the world. It would be wonderful if the people who man our borders are tuned into this opportunity.'
Kelis tweeted she was furious about the incident and said dozens of bystanders said nothing.
The incident took place when Kelis was accused of queue-jumping by a 'red-faced sweaty man (I use the word man loosely here)'.
She went on to say he then called her 'slave' and declared she was 'probably a disgusting Nigerian'.
The R&B singer explained: 'He called me kunta kinte and ranted and raved some more.
'The man behind the passport desk laughed, shook his head in agreement I guess, and said "kunta kinte".
He said: 'Can I take this opportunity to encourage you to remind all UKBA staff that they are the face and voice of modern Britain - the first people we encounter when we come home, the first people visitors encounter when they come to our shores.
'It is critical for the success of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games next summer that visitors from all over the globe have a great experience from beginning to end of their stay and that we showcase the UK at its best.
'The Olympics is a one-off opportunity to reinforce London's reputation for another generation as the best big city in the world. It would be wonderful if the people who man our borders are tuned into this opportunity.'
Kelis tweeted she was furious about the incident and said dozens of bystanders said nothing.
Source - DailyMail
