Crew boots unruly actor off flight in Phoenix

[November 07, 2013]  PHOENIX (AP) -- US Airways denies crew members used racial slurs against actor Brandon T. Jackson, who was kicked off a flight at a Phoenix layover because of unruly behavior.

Jackson, best known for his role in "Tropic Thunder," had been drinking on the New York City to Phoenix flight Monday night and became upset when flight attendants stopped serving him alcohol.

He sent out 21 tweets about the experience and says a flight attendant "called me the N-word."

Phoenix police escorted Jackson out of the terminal at Sky Harbor International Airport. Officers said they determined that no crime had been committed so they let Jackson go. The 29-year-old actor then took another flight to Burbank, Calif.

"We've spoken with the crew members involved and they deny any use of the N-word or racist slurs with Mr. Jackson," said US Airways spokesman Andrew Christie, adding that the actor "was disruptive and our crew made the right decision to stop serving him alcohol. "

"The disruptive behavior started with loud music being played by Mr. Jackson at his seat. He was asked several times to turn down the music," Christie said. "Additional erratic behavior was observed and that is when the crew made the decision to stop serving. If the crew determines to no longer serve alcohol to a customer, then their decision is definitive at that point."

A call for comment to Creative Artists Agency and ML Management, who represent Jackson, wasn't immediately returned Wednesday.

[Associated Press]

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