Chicago

mikeflo Suing Alaska Airlines Over Face Tattoo Controversy

Chicago native, rapper and official DJ for dead prez, mikeflo, is pursuing a lawsuit with Alaska Airlines, claiming the airline barred the artist from boarding a flight from Seattle to Portland due to his face tattoos that allegedly made the flight staff uncomfortable. More details below. mike and his team are asking all friends, fans and associates to tweet  #itsartnotacrime to show support.

“I was stunned and humiliated. I am a platinum medallion member with Delta and I fly thousands of miles a year. I feel like they violated my freedom of expression. ” – Mike Flowers aka mikeflo

On July 14, 2013 hip hop artist and DJ Michael Flowers aka mikeflo was traveling from Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon on Alaska Airlines for a performance when he was removed from his flight because the flight attendant was uncomfortable with the tattoos on his face. Mr. Flowers’ removal was prompted by a flight attendant who was uncomfortable with the tattoos on his face. Mr. Flowers, of the socially conscious hip hop duo Dead Prez, booked his flight with Alaska Airlines, a Delta Air Lines Inc. partner, and travels internationally performing with Dead Prez and as an independent artist and DJ.

After boarding the plane, securing his carry on, and saying hello to an unaccompanied child seated next to him, the flight attendant came over to the child and said, “I don’t trust the guy with the tattoos so I am going to move your seat.”

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