Optimus Prime found offensive at Heathrow - US says NO JOE!!

In what could be some of the most ridiculous news reported here on Seibertron.com, in two separate instances, in two separate countries, HASBRO's TRANSFORMERS and GI JOE franchises have apparently wreaked havoc in airports.

The UK's Daily Mail reports that a man was held from boarding a plane at London's Heathrow Airport because he was wearing a shirt which depicted Autobot Leader Optimus Prime holding a gun.



Taken from the Daily Mail:

Brad Jayakody, 30, from London, said he was stopped from passing through security at Heathrow's Terminal 5 after his Transformers T-shirt was deemed 'offensive.'

Mr Jayakody said the first guard started joking with him about the Transformers character depicted on his French Connection T-shirt.

'"Then he explains that since Megatron is holding a gun, I'm not allowed to fly,' he said.

Now obviously this guy is innocent. For one, he can't even recognize Optimus Prime on his own shirt. And secondly, its a TSHIRT with a TRANSFORMER on it!

Before you Americans poke fun, get a load of this one.

BBC News reports that a woman was denied entry into Los Angeles, CA's LAX Airport for having a GI Joe Figure in her carry on baggage.

Taken from BBC News:

A doll caused a security alert at an American airport because its two-inch plastic gun was considered a dangerous weapon.

Judy Powell, 55, from Walton on the Hill, Surrey, bought the GI Joe toy in Las Vegas and packed it in her hand luggage.

But security staff at Los Angeles International Airport refused to let Mrs Powell on board the plane with the replica rifle.


A Real American Death Threat?

Mrs Powell said: "I was simply stunned when I realised they were serious.

"Security examined the toy as if it was going to shoot them and looked at the rifle.

"I was really angry to start with because of the absurdity of the situation.

"But then I saw the funny side of it and thought this was simple lunacy."

Lunacy, Mrs. Powell, does not begin to explain it.

So let this be a lesson to all you Seibertronian's out there, before you board a plane think first "What would the TSA do?"

To view the complete article on Denying Prime, click here.

To view the complete article on NO JOE!!!, click here.