Nicole Kidman Criticized for Endorsing Airline Accused of Gender Discrimination
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Etihad Airways(NEW YORK) — Nicole Kidman has come under fire for becoming the face of a major United Arab Emirates airline accused of gender discrimination.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants has posted an open letter to the 47-year-old Australian actress on its website, asking her to end her involvement in a new ad campaign for Etihad Airways. The airline has been singled out by the APFA for alleged gender-discriminatory labor practices and unfair treatment of female employees.
The association’s national president, Laura R. Glading, urged Kidman to terminate her association with the “abusive” company, citing claims the airline has fired women over pregnancy and has forced flight attendants to “live in confinement in secure compounds.”
Glading, noting Kidman’s efforts to advance women’s rights around the world as a U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador, writes, “We urge you, on behalf of the women and girls that you spoke of so eloquently, not to play a part in promoting Etihad Airways, a company that imposes abusive labor practices on its female employees and whose sole owner is a government that stands against the very world that you imagine.”
“Using your profile and stature for such a noble endeavor is commendable,” adds Glading. “However, we believe those efforts are at odds with your prominent role in an advertising campaign for Etihad Airways.”
In a statement obtained by Arabian Business on Friday, Etihad Airways says, “Our commitment to the welfare, safety, and well-being of the diverse group of men and women who have worked so hard to make Etihad Airways great is one of our airline’s top priorities.”
The airline denies claims it mistreats pregnant employees, explaining, “When a cabin crew member informs Etihad of a pregnancy, she is provided with appropriate ground duties for the duration of their pregnancy. During this time, she remains fully compensated and fully engaged on the ground.”
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