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.”
Not long after, the flight attendant moved the minor child and placed an adult next to Mr. Flowers. Within minutes, Mr. Flowers was then told by another employee of Alaska Airlines to gather his belongings and exit the aircraft. The only explanation given for his removal from the flight was that the flight attendant did not feel comfortable that he would comply with FAA rules.
Mr. Flowers was not allowed back on the flight and consequently missed the sound check for the performance.
“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
“Mr. Flowers has religious and cultural tattoos on his face as an expression of his spiritual beliefs. We are investigating the incident and considering all legal options.” – Attorney Mawuli Mel Davis, Davis Bozeman Law Firm
To show your support please tweet or post #itsartnotacrime.