Sandra “Pepa” Denton’s removal from a Southwest Airlines flight brought to light several problems with air travel. This incident further highlights the airline industry’s long-standing customer service and passenger rights issues.
Pepa, of the iconic hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa, was kicked off a July 15, 2024, Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Nashville. Reports from TMZ state that Pepa bought two seats to make room for her knee injury, which she incurred in a vehicle accident in 2018.
Despite wearing a knee brace, a flight attendant informed her that she could only use one seat because her leg was not in a cast. This led Pepa to have a dispute with the flight crew and a fellow passenger who requested her second seat for a funeral. Pepa was then ultimately asked to leave the flight.
The airline cited her recording of the altercation as the reason for her removal. They stated to TMZ that it made the crew feel unsafe. Pepa was reimbursed $2,500 for the seats but not for additional expenses such as wheelchair assistance and car service.
What Southwest Airlines Says About The Incident
Southwest Airlines has maintained that its decision to remove Pepa from the flight was based on safety concerns. The airline told TMZ that Pepa’s filming of the crew without permission created an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe environment for everyone on board. The airline also claimed they had attempted to relocate her to a more suitable seat, which she declined.
Pepa has vehemently denied the airline’s claims. She stated that she was not recording the crew and that her removal was unjustified. The rapper expressed her frustration through social media, sharing her ordeal. Pepa also hinted at potential legal action for possible violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
While reimbursing her for the seats, Southwest Airlines has faced backlash from the public. Many have criticized the airline’s handling of the situation, questioning the necessity and fairness of their actions.
