American Airlines is disputing Lena Dunham’s claims that she overheard two female airline employees having a “transphobic talk” at the airport on Wednesday, saying the time stamps of her claims don’t add up.
A spokesperson for the airline told TheWrap that they are unable to substantiate the allegations made by the creator and star of HBO’s “Girls.” Dunham tweeted around 3 a.m. ET, said the airline spokesperson, when American’s last departure/arrival at JFK was around 1:45 a.m. ET.
Additionally, a video that Dunham posted around the same time showed that the actress was flying on Delta Air Lines, which according to the spokesperson, doesn’t operate out of Terminal 8, whereas American Airlines does. The two are not connected, argued the spokesperson. You can see a map of the terminals here.
On Wednesday, Dunham said she overheard two American Airlines attendants having a “transphobic talk,” adding that “at this moment in history we should be teaching our employees about love and inclusivity.”
Dunham later contacted the airline via direct message on Twitter, explaining, “I heard 2 female attendants walking talking about how trans kids are a trend they’d never accept a trans child and transness is gross. I think it reflects badly on uninformed employees of your company to have that kind of dialogue going on. What if a trans teen was walking behind them? Awareness starts at home but jobs can set standards of practice.”
The former “Girls” star also said she wasn’t flying American but was in a terminal with American attendants, and that she overheard the conversation in the “arrivals hall coming from gate B30 to baggage. By the Hudson news across from the wine bar.”
American issued a formal statement to TheWrap: “From the team members we hire to the customers we serve, inclusion and diversity is a way of life at American Airlines. Every day, our team members work to make American a place where people of all generations, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious affiliations and backgrounds feel welcome and valued.”
Reactions to Dunham’s story were mixed: Some praised her actions, while others scolded her for listening to a private conversation and tattling. Others said everyone is entitled to their opinions.
A representative for Dunham had no further comment when reached by TheWrap.