Movie 'Wicked' star Marisa Bode revealed the shocking fact that she was denied boarding by an airline because of a disability.
Marisa Bode (25), who gave a powerful performance as Nessa Rose, a wheelchair-using character in 'Wicked,' recently claimed on her social media that small carrier Southern Airways prevented her from boarding because of a disability. Paralyzed in her lower body after a car accident at age 11, Bode strongly criticized the airline, calling the incident a "clear segregation and discrimination" and saying the airline should "feel ashamed."
According to Bode, the incident occurred as she was trying to board a flight to Pennsylvania for a speaking engagement. Gate agents asked Bode "can you stand?" and when she answered "no," they informed her "we must refuse boarding because you cannot climb stairs." Bode said, "Elderly people also find it hard to climb stairs, so why are only disabled people being denied boarding?" and added, "It is shameful to put disabled people last and refuse to improve planes."
The incident has drawn further outrage because Bode's manager had received confirmation from the airline at the time of booking that accommodations for wheelchair use would be provided. Unable to fly, Bode ultimately had to travel by car for three and a half hours at great expense. She expressed tearful anger, saying, "Airline staff treated me like a difficult person, but my wheelchair is my freedom and my life itself."
Southern Airways issued an official statement apologizing, saying, "The experience Bode had does not reflect our standards." The airline said it is investigating the circumstances of the incident and will implement process improvements and staff training to prevent recurrence. It also said it is contacting Bode directly to discuss ways to provide support.
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