Naomi Campbell Blamed BA Employee Statement For Tantrum, BA Rejects Claim

Supermodel Naomi Campbell pleaded guilty to assault on Friday stemming from her April 5 bout of “air rage” which she claims was sparked by a racial slur directed at her. Campbell spat on an officer, and was arrested and charged with suspicion of assaulting an officer after being asked to get off the British Airways plane she expected to fly to Los Angeles because one of her bags had been lost.

According to Reuters, Campbell claims she was likened to a black "Golliwog" doll during the flight in an interview with Sky News.

"I was called a racial name on that flight and that was part of my reaction," she said. "I was called a 'Golliwog supermodel' -- I don't think that's really fair, do you?"

The term, referring to a black rag doll from children's literature, is considered to be a racial slur in British culture. When asked who had used the term, she replied, "Someone on the flight, not a passenger."

British Airways rejected the claims of racism Saturday.

"British Airways does not accept any allegations of racism," the airline said in a statement. "We are proud of our diversity.

"We have strict policies concerning dignity at work and have long-standing training programs on diversity and inclusion."

The model pleaded guilty to assaulting two police officers and to a public order offence. Neither she nor her lawyers mentioned racist comments during her court case. She was subsequently sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid community work and was ordered to pay 200 pounds compensation to one of the police officers, 150 pounds to the captain and 2,300 pounds in fines.

In the Sky interview, Campbell apologized to London's Metropolitan Police force, but added: "As for British Airways, I just think they are disgusting."  In April, Campbell claimed she was boycotting British Airways for her treatment during the incident.

FMI: www.britishairways.com