Bollywood king Shah Rukh Khan was detained at Los Angeles International Airport on August 12, 2016.
Here’s what he tweeted:
I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) 12 August 2016
In 2012, SRK was similarly detained at Newark airport for 90 minutes, apparently for “security” concerns. However, after the Indian embassy intervened, they let him continue his journey without further hassle.
Many people allegedly blamed Islamophobia for SRK’s detention, claiming that many Muslim passengers were usually put through extra security checks.
The incident highlights the concern of rising Islamophobia in America, and worries over whether US airport security is too strict or maybe even discriminatory.
Why was Shah Rukh Khan stopped at the airport?
Interestingly, there seems to be no real justification to explain why SRK was stopped. Nor it is known how long he was detained. In fact, the US ambassador to India seemed to be embarrassed by this gaffe, and apologized on Twitter. SRK replied generously:
No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. It’s just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern. https://t.co/zQspvxnXsl
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) 12 August 2016
It is indeed strange that one of India’s most popular stars is held back for additional security screening at American airports. In fact, SRK jokingly shared how it feels to go through such airport experiences, “Whenever I start feeling arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America. The immigration guys kick the star out of stardom.”
Is it Islamophobia?
Are American airport authorities discriminating towards Muslim passengers? Or is it coincidence that Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan is Islamic? Maybe not. In November 2011, authorities frisked India’s former President APJ Abdul Kalam, on-board a flight at New York airport. He was 80 years old at the time of the incident, and his jacket and shoes were taken away for examination for a while. However, when India complained about this incident, Washington apologized about it.
The key point? APJ Abdul Kalam was Muslim too.
People share opinions about Islamophobia at American airports:
Trump’s first victim? Jordanian humiliated, deported at US airport https://t.co/9hxyxPCEC6#Jordan #Islamophobia
— تريسي (@BSfromPS) 18 December 2015
Sikhs are also victims of Islamophobia !! We are treated like terrorists at almost every airport !! Nobody talks about us. @NickyAACampbell
— ravinder singh (@RaviSinghKA) 23 March 2016
It’s time for America to examine whether its airport security screening is discriminating towards minorities.
But at least Shah Rukh Khan can have a laugh about it and catch Pokemon, while understanding the importance of security.
The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016
