Don’t “Reach Out and Touch” Diana Ross, please! The legendary Motown singer was furious after a TSA agent inappropriately touched her at Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport as she was leaving the city this weekend, she claimed.
Ross, who was in NOLA to perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, slammed the agency in a series of tweets.
“OK so on one hand I’m treated like royalty in New Orleans and at the airport I was treated like s—t,” Ross tweeted on Sunday, May 5. “Let me be clear , Not the people or Delta BUT TSA , was over the top !! Makes me want to cry!!!”
“Its not what was done but how , I am feeling violated – I still feel her hands between my legs , front and back ( saying to me it was her job ,) WOW!!” she explained of her experience going through the screening process at the airport. “Really mixed emotions I always like to see the good things but not feeling good right now.”
The TSA told USA Today in a statement that the agency is investigating the situation. “TSA is committed to ensuring all travelers are treated with respect and courtesy,” Mark Howell told the newspaper. “TSA is aware of concerns presented by Diana Ross about her screening experience at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.”
Howell added that the agency had reviewed footage of the 75-year-old Grammy winner’s screening, and that the officers properly followed protocol. “However, TSA leadership will continue to investigate the matter further,” he added. “We encourage Ms. Ross to reach out to TSA so we can work with her directly to address her concerns.”
Ross noted on Monday, May 6, how lucky she believes American citizens are. “We are so blessed to have the security that we have at the airports and in our country- this I know And I appreciate it ‘TOTALLY,’” she tweeted. “Thank you to all those good and loving people that take care of me and us thank you thank you thank you.”
