Afternoon:
8°c
Naomi banned for life from BA
Updated 13:00pm on 8 Apr 2008Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been banned from flying with British Airways for life after spitting in a policeman's face.
Following the bust-up with the officer after she went into a rage over a missing bag, the airline's bosses decided banning her would show that such behaviour was " totally unacceptable".
Campbell begged with the airline to reconsider, claiming she has spent tens of thousands of pounds flying with BA over the years. But bosses were adamant and said not banning Campbell, 37, would "send out all the wrong signals".
A senior BA source said: "The decision to ban Naomi was not taken lightly. She is a valued customer. But it is unthinkable for BA to talk about the safety of our staff and passengers being our priority, then let her off.
"Her behaviour last week was absolutely shocking. She physically and verbally abused our staff and police.
"Banning Naomi Campbell will send out a worldwide signal that such behaviour is totally unacceptable. A rethink is very, very unlikely."
Campbell was on a Los Angelesbound flight at Heathrow Terminal 5, when she was told one of her bags had missed the flight.
Eyewitnesses said the model started verbally abusing staff who tried to restrain her before the police were called. She spat in the face of one officer and physically lashed out at others before being taken off the plane in handcuffs.
She was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer but was not charged and was released on bail. Her spokeswoman said: "Naomi has been flying with BA for nearly 30 years and has been a good customer. She hopes this can be resolved amicably."
Reader views (17)
Samuel, stop playing the race card and realise that this woman has behaved worse than an animal and therefore deserves to be banned - and yes if she was white I would say the same thing!
- Fq, London, UK, 09/04/2008 12:16
Report abuse
Samuel, what on earth are you talking about? Which footballers have spat and abused staff at BA on more than 1 occasion (this isn't the first time she's done it at BA)? And seriously, what does race have to do with anything? I seem to remember the last person at BA she abused was actually an ethnic minority, it's as simple as she wishes to behave like an animal, she'll be treated as one.
- C Salmon, London, 09/04/2008 09:35
Report abuse
Well done BA - spitting in a policeman's face she should have got six months. Oh and samuel - just occasionally it's not about being black it's about being in the wrong. She's had more chances than Pete Doherty, and should have gone down with him.
- Squiz, Islington, 08/04/2008 23:37
Report abuse
Can't see BA letting you off so easily at the moment, you certainly have not done yourself any favours of getting across the pond, still you could start a ferry service with all your Air Head friends, how about Naomi Ferries?
- Steve Evans, Malta, 08/04/2008 22:53
Report abuse
Best decision that BA has made in a long time - lets just hope they don't back down. Naomi Campbell really needs to learn that behaviour like that is never acceptable, no matter how important you think you are....
- Stella, London, UK, 08/04/2008 22:31
Report abuse
Bit of common sense at last.
- Val, London, 08/04/2008 21:43
Report abuse
Congrats to BA. Now, if the other major carriers to the U.S. would follow suit, maybe she would be forced to use private jets. That would surely cut into her finances. Using ocean liners is not a good option as everyone on board would probably jump ship rather than being on the same boat with her.
- Chris Mcgoughran, Palm Springs, Ca. USA, 08/04/2008 17:44
Report abuse
Goes to show.....you can take the girl out of Streatham, but not Streatham out of the girl!
- Karen, London, 08/04/2008 17:13
Report abuse
What a prima donna....
I can't believe that this is the first (and probably only) time that I am behind BA!
- Caroline, Twickenham, 08/04/2008 16:34
Report abuse
Cheap by B.A.
Its amazing once your name is soiled, everybody is ready to have a pop at you. No excusing Naomi but footballers have done worse however Naomi been archetypal loud and therefore black is an easy target especially to help diffuse embarrassment over T5.
- Samuel, Golders Green, London, 08/04/2008 15:38
Report abuse
Serves her right! haha - that made my day, it really did.
- Sarah, London, 08/04/2008 14:36
Report abuse
I hope other airlines will do the same.
- Sarsfields Ghost, London,England, 08/04/2008 14:25
Report abuse
Who does she think she is? I hope that she is charged with assault. My colleague was fined for littering after discarding a cigarette butt however it seems that spitting in someone face is not an offence.
No one should be above the long arm of the law!
- Carol Greenidge, Romford, 08/04/2008 14:08
Report abuse
Why has this self-obsessed idiot not been arrested?
- John Culpepper, London UK, 08/04/2008 13:37
Report abuse
And about time too that someone stood up to her bullying! I'll bet she could have bought ten times over anything that was in that 'missing' bag!
- Jil, London, 08/04/2008 13:35
Report abuse
When will this spoilt, obnoxious waste of space be properly punished for assaulting others? A short stretch in Holloway would be just the tonic.
- Helen, London, UK, 08/04/2008 13:30
Report abuse
One wonders if this is just a cynical attempt for an ageing model to stay in the headlines. She still acts like a stroppy teenager. Words cannot describe my disgust for this creature!
- John, Bristol, Avon, 08/04/2008 13:26
Report abuse
