United Airlines, no stranger to crew-passenger confrontations, is facing another public relations issue.
United agent Carmella Davano has been accused of using a racial slur against a customer and is facing a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.
The incident happened Feb. 26 at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, where actress Cacilie Hughes says Davano told her to "stop making monkey faces" and "stop making monkey shines," Houston Police spokesman Kese Smith said.
Hughes is black; her accusation is being backed by two witnesses.
The heated confrontation began when Hughes admittedly walked onto the tarmac after her flight arrived in Houston to see if workers were unloading bags. Davano yelled at Hughes to return to the terminal when the argument ensued.
Davano was cited for using profane and abusive language in a public place, a charge that carries a fine up to $500. A jury trial is scheduled for June 3 in Houston.
In the meantime, United is investigating the incident and that Davano has been relieved of her duties. An airline spokesman said United has "zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind," and that pending the conclusion of the investigation it will take appropriate action "up to and including termination" against Davano.
This is not the first time United has faced a potential public relations crisis.
In April of 2017, the airline dragged a passenger off a plane after he refused to be involuntarily bumped from an overbooked flight.
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