Sikh actor Waris Ahluwalia says Aeroméxico wouldn't let him on plane because of his turban

Sikh actor and designer Waris Ahluwalia announced on his Instagram account Monday that he was not allowed to board an Aeroméxico flight from Mexico City to New York City because of his turban.

"Dear NYC fashion week," he posted. "I may be a little late as @aeromexico won't let me fly with a turban. Don't start the show without me. #lovenotfear #fearisanopportunitytoeducate." The Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund has released a statement saying it is "disappointed and concerned" that Ahluwalia was asked to take his turban off before boarding the flight. "The turban is an integral part of a Sikh's identity and removal in public is akin to a strip search," the organization said. "The security personnel involved in this debacle owe Mr. Ahluwalia an apology and must be trained in cultural and religious awareness."


Ahluwalia appeared in The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, and The Darjeeling Limited, as well as a 2013 Gap advertisement, the first time a Sikh model was showcased in a nationwide ad campaign, NBC News reports. He also has a popular jewelry line, House of Waris. Aeroméxico has not commented on the incident.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up