Joel Madden had a flight from London to Portugal on British Airways on Saturday and a British Airways employee refused to allow Joel to board the plane until he covered up all of his arm tattoos with a long sleeve shirt. Joel, not wanting to make a scene, initially tried to argue with the employee but later put on a long sleeve shirt because he wanted to board the flight. Joel chronicled the discriminatory incident on his Twitter.

Was just told by a british air person I can’t get on the plane till I cover my tatts. Should I fight the power?
7:56 PM Apr 25th from TwitterBerry

I really actually am in shock he won’t let me on the plane till I put long sleeves on and other BA rep is disagreeing
7:57 PM Apr 25th from TwitterBerry

Finally in Lisbon. What a long trip.
about 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

I still can’t believe Brit Air discriminated me for tatts. Unheard of. the guy was literally disgusted by me. I’m gonna write a letter!!
about 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

Long ass trip. Finally got to the hotel and geuss what!! No rooms!!! Ahhh!!! Haha gotta laugh sometimes
about 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

I did end up covering my tats. Its not my style to cause a scene I just had a convo with the BA guy told him how it was discrimination
about 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

IN Lisbon at the LOST video shoot. Having fun. Long day though!
about 15 hours ago from web

@BritishAirways would i be allowed to bring my tattoos if took advantage of this offer?
about 15 hours ago from web in reply to BritishAirways

yes i covered up to board the BA flight. I didn’t want to miss it. And honestly i was embarrrassed all the people were staring and laughing!
about 14 hours ago from web

its not in the rules that i can find.my tatts arent offensive.looking into it. i havent felt this small since the first time i asked nic out
about 14 hours ago from web

Finally in bed after a good 36 hours of craziness. 3 flights. Tattoo discrimination from BA. and a music video later here i am……..
about 7 hours ago from web

This is completely outrageous! But I am really glad that British Airways did this to Joel, someone who has already given this story a lot of attention that us common folk just wouldn't be able to attract to the same degree. Additionally, there is nothing offensive about Joel's tattoos; his ink is mostly religious and does not have any profanity or nudity at all. He should sue.