Eric Andre: Comedian Eric Andre claims racial profiling and humiliation at Melbourne airport

American comedian and actor Eric Andre has claimed that he was racially profiled and searched by sniffer dogs after being “pulled out of a lineup” at Melbourne Airport. Andre shared his experience on Instagram and also posted a video on X after travelling from New York to Los Angeles and then to Melbourne and Brisbane. He expressed concern for Black, Brown and Indigenous travellers passing through the airport.

Andre recounted his ordeal, stating he was “pulled out of a lineup and put in a special line in Melbourne where I was sniffed thoroughly by a dog.” He emphasised that this was not an isolated incident, saying, “It’s one of the many times I’ve been racially profiled at the airport.” He urged people of colour to be cautious when travelling through Melbourne Airport, especially through Qantas International by Terminal 2.
According to 9news, The comedian announced his intent to consult a discrimination lawyer regarding the incident and sought information on the racial demographics of passengers subjected to additional security checks. Andre stressed his desire not to travel alone through Melbourne Airport in the future due to safety concerns.
“I do not want to be humiliated or racially discriminated against anymore at these airports,” he said. Additionally, he stated, “I don’t want to cut my hair and wear a three-piece suit so that I’m treated like a first-class citizen. I shouldn’t be made to feel that I am unaccepted by entering a country. Shame on the people at the Melbourne Airport who have this cockamamie procedure. I doubt it yields any safer world for anybody in Melbourne or Australia.”
Melbourne Airport did not immediately respond to requests for comment from 9news. However, a spokesperson addressed Andre’s Instagram post, stating the airport is investigating his claims.
“Melbourne Airport does not tolerate racism in any form,” the comment read. “We are following up your complaint with the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) who are in charge of processing all international arrivals at Melbourne Airport and other Australian international gateways. Melbourne Airport is proudly the gateway to one of the most multicultural cities in the world. We welcome ALL passengers to Melbourne, and we expect everyone to be treated equally.”
Andre’s allegations of racial profiling are not new. In 2022, he and fellow comedian Clayton English sued an airport in Atlanta, alleging racial profiling. Though the case was dismissed, they are currently appealing the decision.