An investigation into an alleged racist tirade by an airport bus driver towards a black female passenger has been debunked, after CCTV footage revealed no wrongdoing.
Airport coach operator Flibco found no evidence of racist or discriminatory behaviour, after an incident involving a passenger at London Stansted Airport gained widespread attention on social media.
The incident took place on July 3, when passenger Kassandra Gordon said she was refused boarding on a Flibco airport coach despite holding a valid ticket.
A video of the confrontation, which has been viewed thousands of times online, shows Ms Gordon alleging that the driver denied her entry after telling her he had “a feeling,” was “uncomfortable,” and believed she had “an attitude.”
Ms Gordon said she had been first in the queue at around 3.30am and had done nothing wrong to be dismissed, later describing her treatment as an act of racism and misogynoir – a form of prejudice directed specifically at Black women.
Fellow passengers were seen on video supporting her account and police also attended the scene.
Despite the commotion, the driver doubled down on his decision to not allow her to board, and Ms Gordon was left to wait for the next coach.
In the aftermath, Flibco launched an internal investigation by reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to those involved.
Flibco launched an internal investigation by reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to those involved
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FLIBCO
The company has now concluded that neither itself nor the police officers who attended found any evidence of criminal, racist or discriminatory behaviour.
In a statement, a Flibco spokesman said: “Following that detailed investigation, neither Flibco nor the police officers attending found any evidence whatsoever of criminal, racist or discriminatory behaviour during this incident.”
The company stressed a zero-tolerance policy on such behaviour.
According to Flibco, Ms Gordon entered the coach before boarding had officially begun, by passing through a closed boarding barrier while the vehicle was not yet in service.
The company said the driver was carrying out mandatory pre-boarding safety checks and had asked Ms Gordon to leave the coach so normal boarding procedures, including ticket validation, could begin.
Investigations concluded that Ms Gordon refused to leave the vehicle when requested, with CCTV footage showing she had mistakenly believed the driver had already begun boarding passengers.
The Flibco spokesman added: “Following the initial exchange between the driver and Ms Gordon at the stop, the driver was not confident that Ms Gordon would remain calm and seated for the duration of the journey and would refrain from speaking to him whilst he was driving.”
The bus company noted that UK safety regulations require drivers to minimise distractions while operating vehicles and said the driver suggested Ms Gordon travel on the next scheduled service, which departed around 10 minutes later.
The incident occurred at London Stansted Airport
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LONDON STANSTED AIRPORTPolice officers who attended the incident also recommended that Ms Gordon take the later departure, which she then did, according to the company.
The operator said its chief executive swiftly contacted Ms Gordon on the day of the incident, as part of the investigation process and to diffuse the situation.
While reiterating its commitment to tackling discrimination, the company also defended the driver, whose identity and image have circulated widely online since the incident.
“Our duty of care extends to our driver in this instance whose face has been widely spread across social media and his reputation tarred without just cause,” the statement said.
“We remain committed to providing a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for every passenger travelling on our network.”