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Alaska Airlines is facing significant backlash on social media following an incident where renowned UFC fighter Khabib Nurmgomedov was embroiled in a disagreement with airline personnel while seated in the exit row of a flight. Video footage of the event, which reportedly occurred at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Saturday, depicts an airline staff member informing the 36-year-old mixed martial artist that he needed to either change seats or disembark from the plane due to concerns about his presence in the exit row.
In the video, Nurmgomedov asserts his view that the situation is unjust, stating, “It’s not fair.” To this, the airline representative firmly counters, “It is fair. Yes, it is,” outlining their rationale for the request, which pertains to safety protocols.
The fighter further elaborated that during his check-in, he had confirmed his proficiency in English, but the airline employee insisted that their actions were based on the crew’s discretion. The discussion escalated as the staff member reiterated that he could either move to another seat or be escorted off the aircraft, prompting Nurmgomedov to express his confusion over the severity of the situation.
The employee’s stance remained clear as she posed the question to Nurmgomedov regarding which option he would prefer, ultimately indicating that rebooking him on another flight would be necessary.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, where many users have rallied behind Nurmgomedov, questioning the rationale behind his removal from the flight. Some commentators suggested potential bias based on his Muslim identity while others called for boycotts against Alaska Airlines.
“Why did you remove Khabib from your plane? His fans need to know! I hope he sues you,” one Instagram user commented in response to the airline’s social media posts.
Another user remarked, “Are you aware of who Khabib is? His legacy surpasses that of the entire airline,” highlighting the contrast between the fighter’s fame and the airline’s decision-making.
As the conversation continued, one TikTok user added, “Shame on you, Alaska Airlines. We are all boycotting you.” This sentiment reflects a growing trend where consumers are increasingly vocal about their expectations for corporate responsibility and fairness.
Despite the public outcry, neither Nurmgomedov nor Alaska Airlines has issued a public statement addressing the incident as of now.
Source
www.yahoo.com