Sikh actor and model Waris Ahluwalia 'barred from getting on AeroMexico flight to New York because of his turban'

Sikh actor and model Waris Ahluwalia, best known for his roles in Wes Anderson's films, claims that he was banned from boarding an AeroMexico flight Monday for wearing a traditional turban.

Ahluwalia, 41, who has appeared in Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Darjeeling Limited and The Life Aquatic, took to Instagram this morning uploading a photo of himself holding up his now-useless AeroMexico plane ticket.

A post that accompanied the image read: 'This morning in Mexico City I was told I could not board my @aeromexico flight to NYC because of my turban. #FearisanOpportuntytoEducate #humanright #dignity #lovenotfear.'

Offensive: Sikh actor and model Waris Ahluwalia claims he was barred from boarding an AeroMexico flight bound for New York Monday because of his traditional turban 

Ahluwalia, 41, pictured left posing in Mexico City International Airport, says security personnel prohibited him from getting on the plane after he refused to remove his article of faith in public 

Within two hours, Ahluwalia’ message had drawn more than 650 'likes' and close to 140 comments, with most of the users blasting the Mexican airline for discrimination.

A commenter who goes by the handle @alevogelc wrote: 'I'm sorry for what happened, I really apologize on behalf of all the ignorant people of @aeromexico, but don't worry you got our support! sending you love from Mexico.'

Another Instagram user @tacirupekajaro stated: 'The [Mexican] government has a campaign to portray us as #mexicoglobal but we will never be such if public and private companies perpetuate #racism inside and outside.’ 

In a statement to Daily Mail Monday afternoon, AeroMexico acknowledged that the actor was not permitted to board the flight, having refused to undergo a security screening.  

'About the situation of passenger Waris Ahluwalia, Aeromexico reports that he was asked to submit to screening and inspection before boarding, in strict compliance with TSA protocol.

'We have offered the passenger to alternatives to reach his destination as soon as possible.

'We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused by this incident.' 

The non-profit advocacy group The Sikh Coalition quickly picked up the story, repeatedly sharing Ahluwalia’s tweet on its social media account.

Ahluwalia's plane ticket, seen in his Instagram selfie, shows that the actor was scheduled to travel first class on board AeroMexico Flight 404 from Mexico City to New York City at around 7am Monday.

The code 'SSSS' on the face of the ticket indicates that Ahluwalia had been randomly pre-selected for a secondary security screening.

Wes Anderson's muse: Ahluwalia appeared in Wes Anderson's 2007 film The Darjeeling Limited, which takes place in his native India 

In good company: The Sikh actor (far right) also had a role in Anderson's The Life Aquatic starring Bill Murray (center) and Anjelica Huston (right of Murray)

According to his recent Instagram posts, Ahluwalia jetted off to Mexico City five days ago for a vacation after an extended stay in Thailand.

Speaking to the New York Daily News this morning, Ahluwalia recounted how security personnel at Mexico City International Airport initially searched his bag, swabbed him for explosives residue and patted down his feet.

The actor initially complied with the security agents' demands but refused to remove his turban in front of other passengers - an act he likened to having to strip naked in public - and asked to be taken to a private screening area.

That is when Ahluwalia said he was informed by the airport staff: 'you will not be flying AeroMexico. You will need to book another flight.' The 41-year-old actor and model said he was stunned, especially since the airline had offered to fly him first class earlier. 

Ahluwalia, who is also a successful jewelry designer with the New York-based House of Waris, later posted another selife from the airport along with a message that read: 'Dear NYC fashion week. I may be a little late as @aeromexico won't let me fly with a turban. Don't start the show without me. 

This is not the first time that Ahluwalia has been targeted because of his faith.

In 2013, he became the first Sikh man to appear in an advertising campaign for GAP. A short time later, several billboards featuring Ahluwalia sporting a beard and turban were vandalized with racist graffiti.

The slogan for the national retailer's holiday campaign was 'Make Love' but one person scrawled over a poster that appeared in The Bronx, 'Make Bombs.'

The offensive scribbles also included the line: 'Please stop driving taxis!' 

In 2013, posters featuring Ahluwalia as part of a holiday ad campaign for GAP were defaced with racist graffiti in New York