Adam Saleh Removed from Delta Flight For “Speaking Arabic”

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YouTube star, Adam Saleh, was forced off a Delta Airlines flight for speaking Arabic. Tensions run high as the social media star alleges that he and his friend were removed from the New York-bound flight after “speaking Arabic to my Mom.”

This was not the same story issued by Delta after the flight landed in New York. The airline insisted that these passengers “sought to disrupt the cabin with provocative behavior, including shouting.”

Based on statements from crew members and other flight members, the airline made the decision to deplane Mr. Saleh and his companion, Slim Albaher.

Controversy

Saleh immediately posted the controversial video on his Twitter feed on Wednesday. He urged his followers to take action and spread the message that he had been the victim of racism for speaking in his native Arabic tongue.

“Delta airlines are kicking us out because we spoke a different language on a plane,” he said. “This is 2016, I can’t believe my eyes.” He also accused the Delta staff and other passengers of being “racist” and said that it was “six white men against us bearded men.”

Uncomfortable

Saleh’s “disruptive” behavior apparently made other passengers feel uncomfortable. Some passengers rose to defend Saleh and his friend, saying they should be able to speak any language they want on a plane. But the majority remained quiet during Saleh’s recording. What isn’t clear is what happened directly before Saleh’s video footage.

Delta airlines has launched an investigation to find out exactly what happened on the New York bound flight. They say that they take allegations of discrimination “very seriously.”

Adam Saleh

Saleh is a YouTube sensation and well-known practical joker. More than 1.5 million people subscribe to his channel. This leaves many people skeptical of the fact that this could have been just another one of his pranks for the sake of spurring virality.

If this was indeed the case, it will not be well-received by the Muslim or wider community. Especially as the incident occurred just days after a suspected terrorist attack in a Christmas market in Berlin.

Despite the skepticism, Saleh remains firm in his stance. He tweeted to his followers that he would be consulting with his lawyer as soon as he arrived to New York.

Racial Discrimination Continues

Saleh is not the first person to be removed from a plane for speaking another language. In August of this year Delta removed a Muslim couple for making other passengers feel uncomfortable on a flight from Paris to Cincinnati.

In that same month, two Muslim siblings were removed from British company, Easy Jet, flight from London to Naples, after other passengers accused them of being ISIS members.

Islamophobia

Until the investigation is concluded, the outcome of the Saleh incident is uncertain. Whether a prank, misunderstanding or a severe case of discrimination and Islamophobia, one thing is clear. Racial tensions still run high. So, what is the solution for this?

Passengers exercising common sense when they travel would be a good start, and better training of airline crew to deal with situations like this could also help. Perhaps staff members with greater ethnic diversity and language skills, as well.

Unless Saleh was making marked threats, displaying signs of alcoholism or violence, there is simply no justification for throwing him off of a plane. What this incident highlights more than ever is a deep misunderstanding and fear of other cultures, particularly Islam.