TSA Agents Baffled by Nipple Ring
Okay, I’ll admit I could almost kinda sorta understand the TSA’s well-publicized MacBook Air guffaw (wha? a laptop without a hard drive? you’re gonna have to come with me, sir), but the recent stink over some poor woman’s nipple ring? C’mon people.
Today, the AP reports that a Texas woman was forced to remove her nipple piercings after security agents informed her that she would be required to take out her jewelry before she would be allowed to board her flight. Problem was, the woman couldn’t get one of the piercings out (they are supposed to be permanent accessories, after all). Pliers had to be summoned - all while male TSA agents reportedly stood there snickering at her. And get this - after she went through all that, agents allowed her to pass through security with her belly button piercing in tact. So much for consistency.
Luckily for the woman, big shot feminist lawyer Gloria Allred (past clients include Paula Jones, Amber Frey) is on the case. All I can say is this: I’m thinking those inquisitive agents would have been a lot more hesitant to press the issue if their wand had started beeping about crotch level on some burly dude. Just saying.
Can’t wait to see how the TSA blog explains this one. Maybe they’ll make another video.
UPDATE: The TSA posted an official statement about the incident later today. A policy change is in the works. Ah, how could nipple gate have ended so soon? We were enjoying it so…