Heathrow has apologised to Professor Mary Beard after the classicist ended up stripping “down to my scrappy undies” at airport security.
The 64-year-old broadcaster was seen by fellow passengers in just “my little black vest (and) no bra” after being asked to remove clothing, she said.
Prof Beard wrote on Twitter: “I know rules are rules (and we all depend on airport security) but was a bit surprised to be told to take off what I think is a ‘tunic’ (they thought was a ‘jacket’) at Heathrow security this morning, down to my scrappy undies.
I know rules are rules (and we all depend on airport security) but was a bit surpised to be told to take off what I think is a 'tunic' (they thought was a 'jacket') at Heathrow security this morning, down to my scrappy undies. Much to curiosity/embarrassment of other passengers!
— mary beard (@wmarybeard) October 30, 2019
“Much to curiosity/embarrassment of other passengers!”
Heathrow Airport apologised to the scholar, saying: “We are very sorry to hear this and apologise for the experience you have had.”
The airport requested more details so “that we can look into the matter”.
Prof Beard responded that she did not want staff to get into trouble but some “general consciousness- raising” would be good.
Good morning Mary, we are very sorry to hear this and apologise for the experience you have had. Could you please DM us with further details regarding your experience with our Security so that we can look into the matter? Thank you.
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) October 30, 2019
She replied: “I am tough, and I have no desire to see the staff concerned told off (so I am carefully not telling you which terminal).
“But maybe some general consciousness-raising on this one would be a jolly good idea!
The classicist told a follower: “My little black vest, no bra, not a good look!”
And she added: “To be honest, I’m not very easily humiliated, but it was a surprise! Staff polite but insistent (following instructions, I guess, don’t want to get them into trouble).”
A spokesman for Heathrow later said: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard to keep Britain’s skies safe and any passenger is able to be searched in private. We apologise that this did not happen in this instance.”