Woman says she was removed from American Airlines flight for ‘flying while black’

Imani Cezanne claims she was thrown off a flight in an experience she calls discrimination because of her race.

What happened to Imani Cezanne?

Cezanne, a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, took to Twitter to claim that she was removed from an American Airlines flight and banned from flying with the airline in the future for “flying black.”

“Flying while Black”

The series of tweets claim that Cezanne was kicked off the plane because a flight attendant felt “threatened” by the Black Lives Matter shirt she was wearing.

Today I was escorted off of a plane by two armed caucasian male officers. I have never believed so strongly that I could die at any moment.

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 26, 2016

Ejected from an aircraft. Considered a threat to safety. For doing nothing more than existing in this Black body. @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

After boarding my flight I sit in an exit row. The couple across the aisle from me does not speak English. @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

They are removed from their seats because “If you don’t speak english you can’t sit in an exit row.” I ask why. @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

Fligh Attendant says that if she is unable to explain procedure, she must seat someone else in the exit row. Understood. @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

While speaking with the woman next to me about my concernsI was *interrupted* by FA and asked “Are you going to be a problem?” @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

Why would she ask me that? Is that an appropriate way to speak to a customer who is calmly having a conversation with someone? @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

What about me seemed potentially problematic? I was seated, legs crossed, hands in lap. Using my “inside voice.” @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

I respond with “Are you going to be a problem? Why would you ask me that?” Then storms off to get a manager. @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

The manager comes to escort me off of the plane. I ask why. She says “because my flight attendant feels threatened. @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

What I was wearing when I was unnecessarily ejected from my flight because the FA felt “threatened.” Coincidence? pic.twitter.com/j5BDNo3rKf

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 26, 2016

Nothing about my voice, tone, body language etc. communicated “threatening.” Other than, of course, this Black body. @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

So now I’m stuck in Charlotte. Banned from AA. And no, I do not have $400-$500 to get back home or to my destination today. @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

This is how you can literally be walking away from an officer and be shot dead. Because he “felt threatened.” @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

Oh and btw my stuff was still sent to ATL. So I’m in Charlotte. My things are in ATL and I have no money to get anywhere. @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

Just spoke with an @AmericanAir rep on the phone who says “there is nothing we can do for you.”

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

I have done nothing wrong. @AmericanAir

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

To those who have asked, yes I am very serious about getting a lawyer and any contacts would be greatly appreciated.

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 26, 2016

This support is so needed and appreciated. To all the people who offered to buy flights or drop dimes in my paypal, you are love personified

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 26, 2016

Currently on a bus to ATL. Thank so much to everyone for reaching out. I have yet to be contacted by @AmericanAir.

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 25, 2016

The American Airlines Twitter account later contacted Cezanne by direct message.

@imanicezanne Our crew is expected to always provide a friendly and professional service. Please follow and DM us your record locator.

— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) March 25, 2016

But Cezanne complained that the process had taken hours…

@AmericanAir Just got a response from @AmericanAir at 10:57 pm. They were contacted at 5:21 pm.

— Imani Cezanne (@imanicezanne) March 26, 2016

American Airlines have since stated that they have reached out to Cezanne to resolve the issue. In January, American Airlines was sued for $9 million for a different racial discrimination claim when a group of men were kicked off the plane after a flight attendant felt “uneasy.”

Twitter users criticized American Airline with the hashtag #FlyingWhileBlack.

#FlyingWhileBlack I don’t think @AmericanAir is racist, they’re employees and service is just awful.

— Say Say (@smc_1023) March 26, 2016

To think, @AmericanAir used to be my favorite airline…poor customer service and people skills get you NOWHERE. #boycott #flyingwhileblack

— lo-QUI•tâ (@QuiLovaa) March 26, 2016