After being “pulled out of a portfolio” at Melbourne Airport, American comedian and actor Eric Andre claimed he was subjected to racist profiling and sniffing dogs searched him. André traveled from New York to Los Angeles, then to Melbourne and Brisbane, and André shared his experiences on Instagram and even posted a video on X. He expressed issue for passengers through the aircraft who are Black, Brown, or Indigenous.
Andre described his suffering, claiming that he was “pulled out of a portfolio and put in a special collection in Melbourne where I was completely sniffed by a dog.” He emphasised that this was not an isolated incident, saying,” It’s one of the many times I’ve been racially profiled at the airports”. He urged people of color to be careful when visiting Melbourne Airport, particularly when using Terminal 2 for Qantas International.
The artist stated his intention to consult with a bias lawyer regarding the incident and sought details on the racial makeup of the people who were subjected to additional security assessments, according to 9news. Due to safety concerns, André emphasized his wish not to go only through Melbourne Airport in the future.
He declared,” I do not want to be humiliated or culturally discriminated any more at these flights.” Additionally, he stated,” I do n’t want to cut my hair and wear a three-piece suit so that I’m treated like a first-class citizen. I should n’t be made to feel that I am unaccepted by entering a country. Shame on the Melbourne airport staff for performing this cockamamie method. I do n’t believe anyone in Melbourne or Australia will find the world to be safer.
Melbourne Airport did not respond to 9News ‘ requests for comment right away. But, a spokesperson addressed Andre’s Instagram post, stating the aircraft is investigating his claims.
The post read,” Melbourne Airport does not suppress racism in any way.” We are pursuing your complaint with the Australian Border Force ( ABF ) and the DAFF, which are in charge of processing all international arrivals at Melbourne Airport and other Australian international gateways. The aircraft at Melbourne is renowned as the gateway to one of the world’s most diverse locations. We welcome ALL travellers to Melbourne, and we expect everyone to be treated likewise”.
Andre’s complaints of racial stereotyping are not new. In 2022, he and other artist Clayton English sued an airport in Atlanta, alleging cultural monitoring. Though the case was dismissed, they are now appealing the choice.
