Heathrow apologises to Professor Mary Beard after she is forced to strip down to her ‘scrappy undies’ by security to the ’embarrassment of other passengers’
- Broadcaster said she was left standing awkwardly in a black vest and no bra
- The airport has now apologised to the 64-year-old Cambridge classicist
- Seemingly unfazed by the experience, Prof Beard insisted that she was ‘tough’
Historian Mary Beard has revealed she was ‘insistently’ told to strip down to her ‘scrappy undies’ at Heathrow’s security gate.
To the ‘curiosity and embarrassment’ of startled passengers, the broadcaster said she was left standing awkwardly in a skimpy black vest and no bra.
The airport has now apologised to the 64-year-old Cambridge classicist after she gave them a dressing down on social media.
Historian Mary Beard has revealed she was ‘insistently’ told to strip down to her ‘scrappy undies’ at Heathrow’s security gate
To the ‘curiosity and embarrassment’ of startled passengers, the broadcaster said she was left standing awkwardly in a skimpy black vest and no bra
She tweeted: ‘I know rules are rules (and we all depend on airport security) but was a bit surprised to be told to take off what I think is a ‘tunic’ (they thought was a ‘jacket’) at Heathrow security this morning, down to my scrappy undies.
‘Much to curiosity/embarrassment of other passengers!’
But, seemingly unfazed by the experience, she insisted that she was ‘tough’ and did not want to get staff in trouble.
Professor Beard wrote: ‘I am tough, and I have no desire to see the staff concerned told off (so I am carefully not telling you which terminal).
‘But maybe some general consciousness-raising on this one would be a jolly good idea!’
The airport (pictured) has now apologised to the 64-year-old Cambridge classicist after she gave them a dressing down on social media
Prof Beard added: ‘To be honest, I’m not very easily humiliated, but it was a surprise! Staff polite but insistent (following instructions, I guess, don’t want to get them into trouble).
The airport requested more details so they can ‘look into the matter’ further.
Although Prof Beard did not want to press the matter, some urged her to speak with Heathrow to prevent it happening to more anxious people.
One person replied: ‘Hi Mary, others are not as tough as you, and could be utterly horrified/humiliated if asked to strip in public!
‘Tell the airport what went on so they can improve how they treat people.’
Although Prof Beard did not want to press the matter, some urged her to speak with Heathrow to prevent it happening to more anxious people.