Drama In Air France La Premiere: “Don’t Film Me,” “Shut Up,” “You’re Racist”

Drama In Air France La Premiere: “Don’t Film Me,” “Shut Up,” “You’re Racist”

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We see passengers get into arguments with one another on planes all the time. However, this is the first time I’ve ever seen something like this in Air France’s La Premiere, which is without a doubt the world’s most exclusive (and expensive) first class product.

Was a passenger actually being racist, or were the other passengers simply acting inappropriately, and didn’t like being called out?

Lemuel Plummer films in Air France La Premiere, gets called out

Lemuel Plummer is the CEO of Zeus Network, and he has 3.2 million followers on Instagram. I hadn’t heard of him before this incident, but it seems there’s quite a bit of controversy surrounding him.

Anyway, he recently took to Instagram stories to share some video footage from inside the Air France La Premiere first class cabin. The cabin has just four seats, and it looks like there was one French man seated in the far window seat, and then the other three seats were occupied by Plummer and his entourage.

He captioned the video with the following:

Seeing three young Black men in first class really broke his brain. That wasn’t shock… that was racism showing its ugly uneducated face.

The man in the window seat could be seen recording Plummer and his entourage, as Plummer said the following to him:

“Sir, you’re racist, and I’m going to record you the whole flight, just like you’re recording me, cause you’re racist, make that stupid face.”

Plummer then posted the following explanation in a separate story:

First and foremost, there were multiple first-class seats available. We were seated lawfully, quietly, and respectfully. No disruption. No noise. The individual in question wasn’t even present when we boarded.. he arrived, saw three Black men seated in first class, stared, sat down, and then unsolicitedly interrupted my video by instructing us to “be quiet” and “not talk.”

That interaction was unprovoked, inappropriate, and rooted in tired, racialized assumptions. I do not subscribe to stereotypes. I am not a rapper, an athlete, or a caricature meant to make others comfortable. I am a business owner. I run a legitimate television network, employ hundreds of people, contribute to the economy, and move with intention and dignity.

I do not tolerate discrimination in any form, nor will I ever accept being spoken to as though I am inferior or out of place. That narrative does not exist in my life or my universe. Respect is not optional.

Interestingly, there’s another video that starts a little bit earlier than the above one, and shows how Plummel was talking before this incident started. Plummel was obviously recording a video, and then the man in the window seat could be heard saying “please don’t film me.” Plummel responded “I don’t know who that guy is over there, nobody is filming you, bro, shut up, stop talking.”

The man said “no, I don’t shut up,” and then Plummel responded “it’s always racist white people, but you gotta block it, you know, it’s all good.”

My take on this unusual first class cabin confrontation

Let me acknowledge that racism in travel exists, and anyone who denies it is lying to themselves. In 2024, American basically acknowledged that it kicked all Black men off a flight because one had body odor issues, and they couldn’t figure out who it was (the airline later changed policies as a result of this incident). Of course it also has to be acknowledged that not every situation involving someone of a certain group is rooted in discrimination — sometimes people are just not acting right.

Here’s the thing, though. People book Air France La Premiere because they want utmost privacy. Admittedly it’s not quite private aviation, but it’s as close as it gets.

So I get it — this French guy spent a fortune to fly Air France, and then arrived in a cabin that felt like a filming studio, where the three other people were talking loudly and filming videos. Typically La Premiere is filled with people who barely make a peep.

It’s bizarre, Plummel acknowledged he was filming a video when this all happened, but claimed there was “no noise.” It’s hard to take Plummel too seriously, when you look at the other videos he has filmed on planes. He once flew Cathay Pacific first class, and was filming everyone, and then yelled in the cabin “I want everyone to listen up, I’m working a big, big case for the FBI…”

Like, you can’t both argue that you’re quiet and not bothering others, and at the same time pull stunts like that.

All that being said, I think the other passenger starting to film these guys was probably counterproductive. If you don’t want to be filmed, don’t film others. You’re much better off reporting the issue to the crew, and letting them handle it (even though that also puts the crew in an unenviable position).

I think this situation might almost be an “old money” vs. “very new money” thing, with something lost in translation generationally. The one passenger obviously wanted the traditional premium experience of a cabin with solitude.

Meanwhile so many younger people who have money through various means nowadays want to film everything, livestream, etc. Heck, that’s their “brand,” and how they make money. And when those two worlds collide, it’s tricky.

In theory there are no rules against filming oneself, you just can’t film others. Did the camera at some point pan over at the guy in the window seat? I don’t know. But either way, I can understand how he was caught completely off guard, and didn’t want to end up in a video of someone who makes their living creating controversy.

Bottom line

While arguments between airline passengers are nothing new, it’s incredibly rare to see something like this in international first class, and in particular, in Air France’s La Premiere first class.

The four-seat cabin had an older passenger who clearly just wanted solitude, and then a group of three guys showed up, who were filming videos, posting stuff online, etc. The other passenger asked not to be filmed, and it escalated from there, with the group calling the man racist, and telling him to shut up. The man then started filming the group, leading to the group threatening to film him the entire flight.

These two parties definitely don’t see eye-to-eye. If Lemuel Plummer was just filming himself and his group, then he was probably being pretty annoying to others, but not violating any rules. Meanwhile if he was also filming the other passenger, that is a direct violation of the rules. Either way, I can understand how the other passenger was rather confused.

What do you make of this Air France La Premiere confrontation?

Conversations (127)
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  1. R B Guest

    air france has an annoucement on flights (as of Jan 22 2026) now “to protect the privacy of our customers & crew members, please do not take pictures or videos without their consent”.

    1. Disgruntled Guest

      As is their right to do so.

  2. Bill Guest

    Not remotely interested in these types of articles. There is a reason I no longer read that other travel blog that traffics in this Jerry Springer type content frequently. Please stick to actual travel/point articles because this type of nonsense can be found everywhere else and I come here specifically for your travel/points coverage.

    1. Disgruntled Guest

      Do you really think this self-absorbed ambassador of main character syndrome audacity will ever NOT do such BS? All it cares about is $$$ no matter what. And this is why seppos are so disliked.

  3. iamhere Guest

    Agree, blame race when it is appropriate and when the situation has really to do with race

  4. Disgruntled Guest

    Typical American victim mentality and main character syndrome at its finest.

    However... ''Air France’s La Premiere, which is without a doubt the world’s most exclusive (and expensive) first class product.'' - What about ''The Residence''?????? Is the author actually 100% sure that this statement is even true?

  5. Helmut Guest

    The usual suspects…. get back in coach until u can behave.

  6. Ric Guest

    Anyone know how this ended ?
    I mean how long was the flight?
    Awkward indeed.

  7. Azamaraal Guest

    Clear right from the start who is in the wrong. To quote you " Plummel was obviously (loudly) recording a video, and then the man in the window seat could be heard saying “please don’t film me.” Plummel responded “I don’t know who that guy is over there, nobody is filming you, bro, shut up, stop talking.” The belligerent was Plummer from the start. If on the ground he should have been thrown off the plane. Better if in the air ;-)

  8. jessie Guest

    I (as an Asian expat in the ME) really feel sorry for the white man in the story. Hope he gets adequate compensation (e.g., possibly another compensatory flight on LP cabin) from AF for this miserable onboard experience caused by some morons. I look forward to any follow-ups on the story.

    1. Faron Key Guest

      Oooooo me sorry! Lol

  9. AeroB13a Diamond

    Off topic however very relevant to world peace and the aviation industry …. Adolf Trump is reported as admitting, that the only reason why he is prattling on about Greenland, is because he has been turned down for the Nobel Peace Prize …. if factual …. what numpty Adolf!

    1. VladG Diamond

      Please seek professional help.

    2. AeroB13a Diamond

      Thank you for your click Vlad.
      With a login like yours and the resulting post, one can only infer that you are both an Adolf Trump and communist dictator Putin supporter, yes?

  10. Paul Robinson Guest

    Plummer should have stopped filming when asked to do so....end of story.

  11. GRkennedy Diamond

    @Ben, I think you're missing a fundamental point here. Plummer is racist. “It’s always racist white people", this is plain anti-white racism.
    That clown should have been offboarded with his fellow and put on a no-fly list. Period.
    And I feel sorry for the unlucky French man who was probably seeking some rest as he certainly has a real job to do upon landing.

  12. Dan Gleebals Guest

    This guy was clearly looking to start something. He was being totally obnoxious, too loud, and a complete buffoon. Air France should ban this fool.

  13. Grzegorz Guest

    1. Plummer WAS loud.
    2. He was confrontative.
    3. He started to record the other person.
    4. He plays the victim and cries “racism”. It’s not racism - it’s fatigue. And the fact that this fatigue has a colour tells us more about the people we are tired with, not about us being “racist”.

  14. BZ Guest

    Another example highlighting why the sooner Americans isolate themselves from the rest of the world, the better it is for everyone. Trash behaviour from citizens of a trash country.

    1. AeroB13a Diamond

      Thank you for crawling out of your rat hole BZ, to give the readers the benefit of your wisdom. Also, thank you for the clicks which you generate, every little helps Ben, don’t you know. Please feel free to grace us with your clicks anytime …. Xxxx

    2. Disgruntled Guest

      Awwww, are you another offended snowflake American who can't take criticism AeroB13a? Cry harder, moron.

    3. VladG Diamond

      This has nothing to do with Americans and everything to do with a specific subset of Americans.

    4. Disgruntled Guest

      VladG it applies to all of them, they're all the same, every last one of them.

    5. Disgruntled Guest

      I quite agree, BZ.

  15. AeroB13a Diamond

    The more one investigates this Plummer character, the more one realises that he is an undeniable racist. Religious bigot and self promoting narcissist. His pastor father, must tremendously ashamed of his son and what he has turned into.

    In many countries of the world the USA, GB and Europe, etc, white folks are being discriminated against in favour of the brown skin races. That is also self evident in the staff members of Plummer’s...

    The more one investigates this Plummer character, the more one realises that he is an undeniable racist. Religious bigot and self promoting narcissist. His pastor father, must tremendously ashamed of his son and what he has turned into.

    In many countries of the world the USA, GB and Europe, etc, white folks are being discriminated against in favour of the brown skin races. That is also self evident in the staff members of Plummer’s Zeus company and his religious foundation. Not a white skin person to be seen. As the white skinned gentleman in the video can testify, Plummer is an unmistakable racist.

  16. This comes to mind Guest

    I have flown J on AF, but never in a plane with LP. I'd never pay the over $9000 r/t CDG-LAX for LP over less than $3000 in J (random September dates used). I found J to give me adequate privacy and space. But, at over 3X, I'd be so ticked if the other three seats were loudly (or even not-so-loudly) interacting during the flight. The curtain might help, but, if you get a threesome,...

    I have flown J on AF, but never in a plane with LP. I'd never pay the over $9000 r/t CDG-LAX for LP over less than $3000 in J (random September dates used). I found J to give me adequate privacy and space. But, at over 3X, I'd be so ticked if the other three seats were loudly (or even not-so-loudly) interacting during the flight. The curtain might help, but, if you get a threesome, the wrong threesome, I suspect it is hell. Imagine looking forward to, maybe, your once in a lifetime chance to fly true F on a widebody, and you get filmed and accused of racism for asking not to be filmed.

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      $9,000 is one way. A round-trip flight Paris to LA to Paris is $18,000+.

  17. Joel Guest

    It’s always only certain types of people who pull the racism card, and it’s always a self fulfilling prophecy. Badly behaved people thinking they can behave badly and not get called out, and when they do, they say it’s racism. Don’t see this happening to Asians - who are the ones who really experience real racism when it happens.

  18. glenn t Diamond

    If it was me, my heart would have sunk when I boarded and saw this trio of dudes (no matter their colour) topping out the 1st class cabin and behaving the way they were.
    A hideously entitled leader with 2 hangers-on spelt disaster before even liftoff!
    I feel very sorry for the older gentleman who was no doubt looking forward to the refined LP experience with a few likeminded passengers.
    Ouch!

  19. N515CR Gold

    I guess Plummel wasn't trying to keep this flight G14 classified... ;)

  20. Few UP Guest

    The one passenger did not want to be filmed, and the three other passengers took over the cabin, like it was their private playground.
    When the one passenger finally had enough and spoke up, they played the race card. The French guy should have just said, You are loud, obnoxious I dont want to be filmed, and this cabin is not your's alone.

    Shame on the Air France crew, they should have told the other 3 to calm down and behave.

  21. Ken Guest

    It's kinda interesting to see how people react very differently to this and Kuwait air incident with another traveler blogger.,. The core is that people don't want to be filmed...

  22. Widerightv Member

    Ben, you seem to dive into every story that has a racist, antisemitic, supremacist, sexist, homophobic, biased, hateful or prejudiced edge to it and you sink to your eyeballs in the sewer of bad blood among your subscribers.
    I get tired of reading about the crap of calling someone a bigot that is now so easy weaponize.
    I see your daily email as informational for traveling. There are other outlets that I could...

    Ben, you seem to dive into every story that has a racist, antisemitic, supremacist, sexist, homophobic, biased, hateful or prejudiced edge to it and you sink to your eyeballs in the sewer of bad blood among your subscribers.
    I get tired of reading about the crap of calling someone a bigot that is now so easy weaponize.
    I see your daily email as informational for traveling. There are other outlets that I could follow if I wanted to get intense about differences about race, color or creed.
    Why do you keep writing about crap like this. This should be an uplifting site. You should be better than that!

    1. John Guest

      @Widerightv

      He makes lots of $$$$ from these low brow 'stories'. More clicks = $$$$. By my reckoning, on average only one in six posts is a genuine value-adding aviation/travel/hotel post. The rest are credit card ads dressed up as 'stories', political ragebait posts, bad behaviour posts like what you find on TMZ, and other misc junk stories with only a tenuous link to aviation/travel/hotels. OMAAT in 2026 is not the same as it was...

      @Widerightv

      He makes lots of $$$$ from these low brow 'stories'. More clicks = $$$$. By my reckoning, on average only one in six posts is a genuine value-adding aviation/travel/hotel post. The rest are credit card ads dressed up as 'stories', political ragebait posts, bad behaviour posts like what you find on TMZ, and other misc junk stories with only a tenuous link to aviation/travel/hotels. OMAAT in 2026 is not the same as it was 10, or even just 5 years ago. It's definitely quantity over quality these days.

    2. The Rikker Guest

      Classless trash is all the fools are. I fly Qatar business or Emirates first class every few weeks from LAX to Middle East. If this element were on my flight and happened to me, I’d either get off and reschedule on the next flight or demand these idiots were removed. I’m very certain based on my airline status and the money I give these airlines every year (almost $100k) they will take my side !

    3. glenn t Diamond

      If you "get tired of reading" about stories like this, then dont!
      Maybe you, and others who hurl abuse and general nastiness at Ben, should look for the Unsubscribe button.
      I for one would like that.

    4. Greg Guest

      Ben makes money from clicks and controversy and sensationalism drives a lot of traffic. Just look at the number of comments on this story and you’ll understand why he is drawn to them like flies to honey.

  23. Joe Johnson Guest

    Im a minority but nope...I fly business class all time through the work of points systems, due diligence reading these articles on sites, shopping, and tailoring. then there are people who pay out of pocket or companies pay out of pocket (when I worked for l'oreal each biz intl trip hit my expense account at 6-7k a pop). I expect elegance, just like a restaurant. this Plummer guy is a problem instigator with this MO,...

    Im a minority but nope...I fly business class all time through the work of points systems, due diligence reading these articles on sites, shopping, and tailoring. then there are people who pay out of pocket or companies pay out of pocket (when I worked for l'oreal each biz intl trip hit my expense account at 6-7k a pop). I expect elegance, just like a restaurant. this Plummer guy is a problem instigator with this MO, this precisely...just unlucky the French dude happened to be flying same flight. its gonna get huge views, pay the $30k of the flight for the 3. but he did this. he started it, and theres evidence from other flight. how awful

    IE: Filming should be banned. I know I know how does it work for sites like this but photos ok, but this is too much and I think the 3 need to be banned.

    Why does a discreet successful stressed man need to be a part of this.

    and yes, the racist card is worth nothing here and he hurts our plight as minorities who are kind and want to work and see all people, white black whatever, as people to show kindness to.

    im infuriated by instigators and horrific actors wanting to do something and yell things. if they were any race, same thing would have been said. if anything, it makes people more uncomfortable to say things to black males who are aggressive like this

  24. TimUK Member

    As others have said, the law is pretty strong in France for privacy - think there's been some high profile cases with public figures recently.

    So the best action the 4th guy might have is to sue. Given all the evidence is public, should be simple. Even if they tried to argue he was also filming, that's not been published as far as we know, so good luck proving it.
    Only issue might be if this wasn't in France - can't see it clearly mentioned where they were boarding.

    1. OP Guest

      Yup, privacy laws are why George Clooney got French citizenship. Well, that and he’ll need to flee the US soon to avoid being investigated and prosecuted by orange monkey.

  25. Dander Guest

    I am tired of people pulling out the race card. Not every argument between races is racist.

  26. Miami305 Diamond

    Pretty clear who the racist is here... Lemuel Plummer.

    If I were in first (or business), I would not want to be a part of ANY social media videos. (If you blur out my face, I probably would care a lot less.) 99.9% of us would not care about his race. Just that he is being an ass.

    Lemuel Plummer gets his fame from causing drama, not because he is black. I would encourage Lemuel...

    Pretty clear who the racist is here... Lemuel Plummer.

    If I were in first (or business), I would not want to be a part of ANY social media videos. (If you blur out my face, I probably would care a lot less.) 99.9% of us would not care about his race. Just that he is being an ass.

    Lemuel Plummer gets his fame from causing drama, not because he is black. I would encourage Lemuel Plummer to do better, but I think this controversy just encourages him to be more outrageous.

  27. John Guest

    "We were seated quietly, lawfully, making no noise, no disruption....blah blah blah blah....I own a television station....hundreds of people work for me....blah blah blah....."
    Anyone with a bare minimum of adult life experience will know instinctively that the person who whines and bitches the loudest and longest is 100% always the one at fault.
    You know exactly what I'm talking about.

  28. Aussie Guest

    Poor guy. Paid $10K+ expecting privacy in the sky and instead gets a front row ticket to the San Diego Zoo primate exhibition.

    1. gstork Guest

      Seriously - best comment of the thread (so far)!

      Had I been the guy in the far window seat, after the harassment shown by this thug, I would have demanded the crew address it (shit it/them down for the duration), or put me on another flight. I can’t imagine flying with that bunch on a long haul flight, it would be beyond intolerable.

    2. Imre Guest

      I think in the US they have special regulations as to where people like Mr. P are authorized to sit on the public transportation. It’s usually reserves the back of the bus or the plane for them. Why was he allowed to violate those regulations?

  29. Anna Guest

    Why is everyone assuming the old guy has money? "Old money"?
    There is no proof he is not flying OPM, upgraded and/or on points.

    As obnoxious as the filmmaker is, he could well be much richer than the old guy

    1. PeteAU Guest

      It's not about how rich they might be, it's about standards of behaviour and social decorum. The nouveau riche "brothers" seem to have been acting in a trashy, selfish manner that did little to dispel any stereotypes. Then when someone had the audacity to call them out on their behavior, it's because "racism". He was called-out because has malignant main-character syndrome, and nobody taught him or his associates how to conduct themselves in shared spaces....

      It's not about how rich they might be, it's about standards of behaviour and social decorum. The nouveau riche "brothers" seem to have been acting in a trashy, selfish manner that did little to dispel any stereotypes. Then when someone had the audacity to call them out on their behavior, it's because "racism". He was called-out because has malignant main-character syndrome, and nobody taught him or his associates how to conduct themselves in shared spaces. Once he learns some manners and stops acting as though life is one long night at the club, he might start feeling more accepted.

    2. AeroB13a Diamond

      Anna, whatever has the size of anyone’s bank balance go to do with this situation?

      For your information an internet search indicates that Plummer’s, Zeus company is valued at only $5m. Hardly noteworthy or old money actually.

  30. John Guest

    Three loud Americans in first class.... That's all you need to know.

    1. VladG Diamond

      If I was American, I'd take grave offence at your putting me in the same basket as these specimens.

    2. AeroB13a Diamond

      Vlad, do you not think that “Those specimens” would not take offence at your “Basket” inference?
      Thanks again for your contribution to Ben’s click count, excellent effort old sock.

  31. Engel Diamond

    If I had dropped $7K, I would be pissed too that those clowns were onboard.

  32. portmanteau Member

    I think Plummer was the root of the problem here. I'm also tired of people pulling out the racist card when the situation had little to do with race. I get racism exists but not all situations have to do with race.

    1. Jon Guest

      Totally agree. Plummer and his companions were loud, obnoxious a-holes. The other guy objected. Loud, Obnoxious A-Hole is not a race. End of "racist" discussion, at least in this case.

      A cursory google search reveals that Plummer has been a loud, obnoxious a-hole for most of his adult life. Black has nothing to do with it. So tired of people who use race to excuse the fact that they are dysfunctional jerks.

      Maybe try...

      Totally agree. Plummer and his companions were loud, obnoxious a-holes. The other guy objected. Loud, Obnoxious A-Hole is not a race. End of "racist" discussion, at least in this case.

      A cursory google search reveals that Plummer has been a loud, obnoxious a-hole for most of his adult life. Black has nothing to do with it. So tired of people who use race to excuse the fact that they are dysfunctional jerks.

      Maybe try being respectful and respectable and you might be surprised by how much respect you get, regardless of your skin color.

  33. Eduardo_br Diamond

    I don’t know how it is in France or in the US, but here in Brazil, racism is a major crime and you will go to jail for it. And I’m someone who’s really engaged in a lot of anti-racism causes. However, there are few things that pisses me off more than using the racism card in order to get away with deplorable behavior. And this happens a lot here in Brazil. I wished that...

    I don’t know how it is in France or in the US, but here in Brazil, racism is a major crime and you will go to jail for it. And I’m someone who’s really engaged in a lot of anti-racism causes. However, there are few things that pisses me off more than using the racism card in order to get away with deplorable behavior. And this happens a lot here in Brazil. I wished that this moron was taken off the plane.

    On a side note, I’ve been extremely unlucky with LP. Over the last two years, I flew GRU-CDG-GRU twice, and got bordeline bad-not friendly-at-all service on half of the flights. And on both ocasions I was the only pax in F. Say what you want about LH’s FC, but I’ve never had anything less than great service in it.

  34. RLB Guest

    Not having been one of the four people involved, I will not weigh in on the purported racism slant (maybe it was race-based, possibly it wasn’t).

    I will definitively say that, having been in similar situations, if I do not consent to being filmed, then your cameras should never have me in the frame. Additionally, if you want to use a First Class cabin for a film shoot - for whatever reason - book...

    Not having been one of the four people involved, I will not weigh in on the purported racism slant (maybe it was race-based, possibly it wasn’t).

    I will definitively say that, having been in similar situations, if I do not consent to being filmed, then your cameras should never have me in the frame. Additionally, if you want to use a First Class cabin for a film shoot - for whatever reason - book the whole cabin; then it’s your free space.

    When you’re paying €6k+ to fly First, the expectation is privacy and calm.

    Agreed, the fourth person filming was almost guaranteed to escalate the situation, however, if he’s being filmed (intentionally or incidentally) the filmers are being a bit hypocritical for being filmed in turn.

    As always, this is a situation for flight crew to resolve. Ultimately we all need to learn to call in the pros with the decision-making power to resolve disputes that can’t be closed with a polite “please don’t” or “would you mind”.

  35. Stvr Guest

    “Seated lawfully”

    “This isn’t X, it’s Y.”

    Hallmarks of bad AI writing.

  36. IknowImayberight Guest

    First, to film someone, you need to ask for their consent, whether it is in a public or private place. In a public place, consent is required if someone is recognisable in the video; it is not required when filming a group of people where no individual is easily identifiable.

    In a private place — and under French law an airplane is considered a private place — consent is mandatory. Therefore, no one should be...

    First, to film someone, you need to ask for their consent, whether it is in a public or private place. In a public place, consent is required if someone is recognisable in the video; it is not required when filming a group of people where no individual is easily identifiable.

    In a private place — and under French law an airplane is considered a private place — consent is mandatory. Therefore, no one should be filmed if they do not want to be.

    As for the accusation of racism, it seems rather weak: is the man supposed to be racist because of a look he gave in the cabin?

    Finally, in France, privacy is valued as highly as liberty. Filming in a private place without consent is considered a serious invasion of privacy and is viewed as completely inappropriate.

    Finally, it should also be noted that the French generally dislike loud behaviour. You may notice that when speaking to one another, French people tend to speak quietly, and anyone speaking loudly is often very poorly perceived. For this reason, I would recommend that anyone who is noisy and intent on filming avoid flying with Air France and instead choose an airline more compatible with their cultural traits and attitude.

    1. Mark F Guest

      Actually, that is not correct in the US. You can be legally fimed without consent in public places where there is no expectation of privacy. For example you can be filmed, whether identifiable or not, as you walk down the sidewalk, but not within a public restroom. Airlines can and often do prohibit filming on board as a condition of carriage. Remember, other countries have different rules, and even when legal, there may be social norms to deal with.

    2. IknowImayberight Guest

      My post was about France's legislations only. And if you fly Air France, you would expect the French "state of mind" to apply. If not, perhaps fly a US company?

    3. Mark F Guest

      Yes, you're on target. AirFrance's policy is that the videographer ask others for their permission before filming them.

  37. AeroB13a Diamond

    Thinking about this situation …. if Plummer, were to care to contribute to this comments page, there are some who would luv to hear his lame excuses.

  38. Lance Guest

    People flying in first class with this kind of ways makes first class looks cheap.

    People fly first class not to have some thing to brag about but because they want privacy, comfort and a more quiet flight.

    I guess AirFrance should check who's gonna fly in their first class before approving their booking in the future.

  39. Jd Guest

    He may own a business but he has no manners. And then the race card, it's too old. You behave rudely and then people don't like you because of race. Talking loudly and filmng everyone in a plane is a pain in the neck to everyone.

  40. Greg Guest

    “Meanwhile so many younger people who have money through various means nowadays want to film everything, livestream, etc. Heck, that’s their “brand,” and how they make money”

    Errr…isn’t that how you make money too??

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Greg -- I do partly make a living reviewing things, yes, but I try to do that in a non-disruptive way. I was referring more to the crowd that makes a living creating controversy and live streaming, which is a pretty big part of the internet nowadays.

    2. Robert J Fahr Guest

      I have the same thought about any travel blogger. I would be annoyed AF if someone seated next to me was filming and talking to a mic during the entirety of the flight whether that be in domestic F, PE, or Economy.

  41. KlimaBXsst Guest

    This is why we cannot have nice things in public culture anymore when inmates are given the right to act like humans and then proceed to act like savages.

    The so called group of movie makers might want to consider making their so called movies in penitentiaries rather than first class airline cabins. The R word does work with us any more and this purely showcases the concept that equality is earned by respect not by obnoxious low class behavior.

    1. KlimaBXsst Guest

      Should of read the R word does NOT work with us any more… and as i am having to update anyway, NEITHER does anyone need to feel like they are guilty for just being white which is the concept manipulators and race traders try to capitalize upon to promote their flawed causes.

      This group of bozos in first are just jerk offs trying to promote themselves though what ever means of intimidation they can best...

      Should of read the R word does NOT work with us any more… and as i am having to update anyway, NEITHER does anyone need to feel like they are guilty for just being white which is the concept manipulators and race traders try to capitalize upon to promote their flawed causes.

      This group of bozos in first are just jerk offs trying to promote themselves though what ever means of intimidation they can best capitalize upon in this day and age and are not worth the bytes of this endeavor.

  42. James Guest

    Another parvenu who is trying to pretend he's 1 percenter from Park Ave. He was probably collecting empty soda cans for last 5 years so he can afford this trip. Hence constant filming of everything. No point if you are lacking style and grace, cannot buy those. Can be spotted from miles away.

  43. UncleRonnie Diamond

    What’s the point of a full curtain if you don’t use it to remove yourself from view? Pax 4 should have closed the curtain, then informed the Cabin crew they could open it for takeoff when the 3 clowns stop filming.

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      It’s not the harassment victim’s responsibility to do anything, including to close his curtain.

      It was the crew’s responsibility to control the cabin, difficult as that may have been. The crew seemingly failed to do so.

    2. UncleRonnie Diamond

      Can anyone here - among the dozens who‘ve apparently flown 1000s of hours in F - remember seeing FAs in 1st Class actually step in and “do something?”

      Everyone in F just does whatever they want. If this guy thought trying to make 3 x 20-something guys be polite, he’s a fool.

    3. TravelinWilly Diamond

      I have flown thousands of hours in first class. I have never seen a flight attendant step in to “do something“ because I’ve never seen such behavior on any aircraft before, in any class of service.

      So you’re saying if we’ve never seen a flight attendant “do something“ that they therefore should not, or should not be expected to, “do something?”

      Your standards and expectations are woefully low.

    4. This comes to mind Guest

      @UncleRonnie upon reflection, and unfortunately I would not come up with it on the spot, I think you are close. Close the curtain. If anyone says anything point out you were just trying not to ruin their video. If it's a FA, hopefully the FA "takes the hint."

  44. justindev Guest

    I agree with the not recording issue.

    On my flight to Tokyo in First on JAL last year, there was one of those youtuber flight reviewer persons. I told him the exact same thing i.e. not to record me in a no nonsense tone. Fortunately, I did not hear him talking or I would have told him to shut up as well.

  45. Steve Guest

    Interesting he refers to the other individual as a racist and yet in his CX video he complains he can’t read the menu even though it’s in English and Chinese and in his dialogue with the crew is down right rude.

  46. DenB Diamond

    Ben is right to point out the other points of possible clash:

    - North American vs European
    - older vs younger
    - "nouveau riche" vs old money

    I doubt that this incident comes from just one.

    I can't help thinking about my clashes on planes, which arise when I insist on keeping my blind open, enjoying the view on a daytime flight while I read my book, in defiance of the FA's request...

    Ben is right to point out the other points of possible clash:

    - North American vs European
    - older vs younger
    - "nouveau riche" vs old money

    I doubt that this incident comes from just one.

    I can't help thinking about my clashes on planes, which arise when I insist on keeping my blind open, enjoying the view on a daytime flight while I read my book, in defiance of the FA's request to close it "so others can watch their screens". I'm 65, white, definitely not "new money". What if the main complainant was black? Would I be racist? Is he automatically homophobic?

    Premium Shared space is tricky!

    Here's the answer to all of it: don't shoot videos, look at the clouds, read a book.

  47. AeroB13a Diamond

    WATCH THIS SPACE NEXT MONTH!

    I know folks I’m acting like Plummer by shouting at you for attention, bleeding irritating is it not?

    Actually, the point of my post is that I am rather hopeful that the racist numpty is booked onto my AF, LP flight next month. I will not be as restrained as the gentleman in seat 1A was. The racist, chip on shoulder, nobody will be put firmly in its place...

    WATCH THIS SPACE NEXT MONTH!

    I know folks I’m acting like Plummer by shouting at you for attention, bleeding irritating is it not?

    Actually, the point of my post is that I am rather hopeful that the racist numpty is booked onto my AF, LP flight next month. I will not be as restrained as the gentleman in seat 1A was. The racist, chip on shoulder, nobody will be put firmly in its place by me. He will be ashamed to download his demise video.

    As for the subject matter of this article, I applaud the restraint demonstrated by the fourth passenger. I deplore the racism displayed by the other passengers, which they clearly manufactured, in words and deeds. I can find fault with the cabin crew who should have deescalated the conflict by simply pulling the seat 1E isle curtain closed. By doing so it would have given the passenger in 1A the privacy he was seeking, thus allowing the three numpties to play their silly games unobserved.

    I hear someone say, but they were obviously looking to promote a conflict situation for their stupid video channel. That can be taken as read. They, like many other poorly educated people think that they can demand respect. They cannot accept that respect has to be earned and not presumed or demanded.

    In conclusion, I would simply luv to face down these sorts of people in LP next month.

    1. DenB Diamond

      "love to face down" is actually part of the problem, not part of the solution.

    2. AeroB13a Diamond

      Sorry DenB, but I consider that “Part of the problem”, is that too many white folks are being intimidated by others who are always ready pull out the race card. The black guy didn’t like the eye contact directed towards him by a white gentleman, he interpreted his look as being disrespectful. How on this earth can any self respecting person have empathy with that illogical mindset?

  48. iv Guest

    I’m familiar with Lemme and his network Zeus. He produces very toxic and problematic shows (think Jerry Springer) like Baddies, Baddies Gone Wild and Joseline’s Cabaret - Lemme needs to stick to flying private where he and his Baddies can go as wild as they normally do.

    1. Anna Guest

      Why is everyone assuming the old guy has money? "Old money"?
      There is no proof he is not flying OPM, upgraded and/or on points.

      As obnoxious as the filmmaker is, he could well be much richer than the old guy

    2. glenn t Diamond

      Get a grip @Anna!
      You are hopelessly muddled up with money and class.
      The 'old guy', as you describe him may have a lot of class but not be disgustingly wealthy, the polar opposite of the Plummer entourage.
      Money does not buy class, ever!

  49. yoloswag420 Guest

    OMAAT SEO is cooking bc this article is shown as the overview when you search this man's name.

  50. George Romey Guest

    There would have been a time when recording people you're not connected with on a plane would have been considered bizarre and uncouth.

    But not today. People used to be able to easily find their seat, stow their bags, sit down and STFU. But society has "gone mental' (a phrase from the 80s.)

  51. TJ Guest

    That delusional, obnoxious clown Plummer should be permanently put on the no-fly list. Clearly has no manners and no respect for others. Thinks everything is "racist" and claims "racism" to make up excuses for his deplorable behavior. Same old story. Expects "respect" but deserves none, and has no respect for others. A disgrace to America and to the human race.

  52. Dirk Guest

    “Please don’t film me” was responded to with “shut up you racist”. Pretty clear who the problem is. The CEO loses credibility based on his prior obnoxious cabin videos.

    1. BW Guest

      He should be banned from Cathay as well. This guy is a f*** clown. Probably claims racism with anyone that's not black and disagrees with him.

  53. Mike Guest

    Fully agreed, these so called "black guys" who are playing the racist card here is fully wrong. In Europe there's privacy rules - this is also what KLM (part of Air France-KLM) will also repeat as soon as you board. If you want to film, you have to ask consent from other passengers - no matter what class. Which these privileged pax (since they think they have taken up 3 seats, they rule) did not...

    Fully agreed, these so called "black guys" who are playing the racist card here is fully wrong. In Europe there's privacy rules - this is also what KLM (part of Air France-KLM) will also repeat as soon as you board. If you want to film, you have to ask consent from other passengers - no matter what class. Which these privileged pax (since they think they have taken up 3 seats, they rule) did not ask for consent from this person and started to film.
    I would admit the crew here should have taken more affirmative actions here no matter who was right or started any filming.

  54. Nac Guest

    Has nothing to do with racism. I was on Lufthansa flight in biz with a group of loud and obnoxious “bros” who shouted at each other across the aisles, FaceTimed without headphones, took too many selfies in the cabin with other passengers plainly in view, and were just generally boorish with complete disregard for everyone around them. They were white. Bad behavior and poor manners has nothing to go with skin color and everything to...

    Has nothing to do with racism. I was on Lufthansa flight in biz with a group of loud and obnoxious “bros” who shouted at each other across the aisles, FaceTimed without headphones, took too many selfies in the cabin with other passengers plainly in view, and were just generally boorish with complete disregard for everyone around them. They were white. Bad behavior and poor manners has nothing to go with skin color and everything to do with inconsideration for the environment you’re in.

    1. AeroB13a Diamond

      However, in this case Nac, even a blind, deaf person would have detected the pointed racism, yes?

    2. PR Guest

      Fake news. Surely, no one could get that excited about being in LH business.

    3. AeroB13a Diamond

      Read the article PR, yes.
      Come back when you know the difference between LH & AF. Not forgetting the difference between business and La Premiere class, yes, again, Ok?

    4. PR Guest

      AeroB13a - read NAC’s comment above and report back, ok?

    5. AeroB13a Diamond

      Arrr So PR, look what happens when one forgets one’s self by not addressing one’s comments succinctly, yes?
      You may have caused confusion PR, but at least you had the decency to point out the reason why. Thank you.
      Cleary my mistake, but really your fault, yes?

    1. AeroB13a Diamond

      Not funny Faron, just as racist as the three subject who were filming and abusing the white gentleman, yes bro? Lol

  55. Simon Guest

    Too bad Lemuel Plummer's video doesn't end with this introspection from Key & Peele: "Oh, I get it, I'm not persecuted, I'm just an asshole..."

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3h6es6zh1c&t=200s

  56. Nb Guest

    In theory there are no rules against filming oneself, you just can’t film others.

    How do you know? The person can be doing a selfie video or filming you. You can’t see the screen.

    This is such bs. Why airlines don’t simply add a policy: no video recording is allowed.
    No usage of personal device with sound without personal headphones is allowed.

    Easy. Solved. No doubts.

  57. Samo Diamond

    The three guys obviously broke conditions of carriage (disturbing behaviour, filming other people without their consent - the latter being explicitly mentioned as forbidden on all AFKL flights) and should've been removed from the flight before departure.

  58. Syd Guest

    Simple solution - ban the dipsht from Air France. Problem solved.

  59. Daniel from Finland Guest

    So there are three young guys behaving badly, fliming and making lots of noise, in AF La Premiere.

    And they are all black. Now, who would have guessed?

    1. Not See Guest

      Ask the one black guy in Finland

    2. justindev Guest

      @ Daniel,

      You people and your bigotry and hate. I do feel sorry for you people.

    3. AeroB13a Diamond

      Justin, is that the race card which you have pulled?

    4. Daniel from Finland Guest

      Perhaps your prejudices are reading into something in my post that isn't there?

      Happy landings!

  60. Kyle R House Guest

    I'd be upset to see three guys filming and obviously making a spectacle. Nothing racist at all. And I'm sure the white guy just filmed the interaction so they couldn't claim he said something he didn't. We all know how that goes.

    1. This comes to mind Guest

      I agree, particularly with how it turned out. How would you defend yourself against their accusations you were racist?

  61. Alex Guest

    And now we want Starlink on all aircraft so those posers can livestream their spend! We become shallower by the day.

    1. DenB Diamond

      I want internet on all flights and I'm very disappointed when it's "not working" and crew behave as if it's an unimportant frill, like being out of Earl Grey teabags or something. Internet is more than LiveStreaming @Alex.

    2. This comes to mind Guest

      @DenB having a phone in your pocket at all times is a wonderful thing. But, when you listen to the inane conversation the guy next to you is having during boarding, it's easy to question the value. Similarly, have wifi available can be of extreme value to some (it never would have improved by professional productivity), but, again, most are using it for extremely minor things, and some will use it in an annoying way.

    3. Todd Diamond

      DenB, I took their point to mean less about having internet and more about how it can/will be abused.

  62. Alonzo Diamond

    I don't agree with Plummer. If I go onto the plane and see all of this activity and action going on, I wouldn't be happy either. One of the perks of booking first or biz class is that there is typically more quiet and less movement and activity going on.

    Calling someone racist cause they don't like all of that? Come on man, just sit down and enjoy the experience, not everything needs to be a show or a viral moment. Act like you've been there before.

  63. Florian Guest

    This guy had just adked not to be filmed which is a fairly sensible and reasonable demand. I do not see the slightest racism in here.

    Just because a guy with color skin x asks another guy of color skin y to not be filmed without any mention of said colr skins… the difference in color skins does not make it racist.

  64. Katie Guest

    Could also be a cultural difference. I lived in France for 4 years, and have gotten shushed multiple times in the office for talking with American volume!

  65. AceQuik Guest

    I’ll probably never pay to fly LP, but if I did, I cannot describe hoe infuriated I would be for this to be how it transpired,

    Awful, awful person, who just de-legitimises actual racism by turning any sort of interaction with a white person into racism.

  66. Jason Guest

    Who is this? What? When will we see the trip reports from the fall you said you'd been working on? That's why I'm here.

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Jason -- Two detailed hotel reviews will be published over the next two days, and then mid-week I'll start my next trip report review series. :-)

  67. Tony Guest

    This guy is repulsive and if it were me, I’d hope he was offloaded before we took off.

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portmanteau Member

I think Plummer was the root of the problem here. I'm also tired of people pulling out the racist card when the situation had little to do with race. I get racism exists but not all situations have to do with race.

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Ben Schlappig OMAAT

@ Greg -- I do partly make a living reviewing things, yes, but I try to do that in a non-disruptive way. I was referring more to the crowd that makes a living creating controversy and live streaming, which is a pretty big part of the internet nowadays.

9
Steve Guest

Interesting he refers to the other individual as a racist and yet in his CX video he complains he can’t read the menu even though it’s in English and Chinese and in his dialogue with the crew is down right rude.

9
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