John Barrowman’s expensive flight from Los Angeles to London took a turbulent turn before he even reached his destination. The “Doctor Who” actor posted a video from American Airlines’ business class cabin complaining about missing pajamas, an incorrect meal order and what he described as “shady” customer service. However, his attempt to hold the airline accountable quickly backfired as social media users accused the 59-year-old performer of acting like a “diva.”
Barrowman filmed himself from his seat while his father and husband were seated behind him. “Hi American [Airlines] we have paid for the flagship service,” the Scottish-American actor began.
He explained that the three travelers expected to receive pajamas after purchasing costly business class tickets. “My father and my husband behind and the tickets were very expensive and we get on thinking we’d get pajamas with the flagship service,” Barrowman said.
The actor claimed that complimentary sleepwear was instead distributed only to certain passengers at the front of the cabin. “Then you apparently only give them to the first two rows in business class. What’s that all about?” he asked. “So far you’re not batting very high.”
The video showed the actor addressing the airline directly as he questioned why travelers seated in the same business class cabin appeared to receive different amenities.
‘Doctor Who’ Star Says His Meal Order Was Wrong
The missing pajamas were not Barrowman’s only complaint. The “Torchwood” star also claimed that the cabin crew made a mistake with his meal and could not provide the same options offered to other premium passengers. “Meal order wrong and then told we don’t have exactly what everyone else is getting on the flight when we all have flagship service,” he said.
Barrowman ended the video by asking American Airlines for an explanation. “Can you explain? Thank you,” he concluded.
John Barrowman Deletes Video After Slamming ‘Shady’ Service
In the accompanying caption, the actor accused the airline of failing to deliver the premium experience it advertised. “I find that shady and bad customer service. You’re supposed to be pushing this flagship and at the moment it’s not hitting the ball out of the park,” Barrowman wrote.
Barrowman later deleted the video.
Barrowman’s frustration divided social media. Some people defended his decision to complain, reasoning that expensive premium tickets should come with the service and amenities customers expect. “To be fair if you pay a lot of money for a service then I’d expect the service I paid for,” one person wrote.
Another user argued that the actor had every right to question whether he received everything included with his purchase. “I’m in no way a fan of John Barrowman, but how do people have an issue with him asking for something he’s paid for?” the person commented.
Others were less sympathetic and focused on the spectacle of a celebrity publicly complaining about pajamas while sitting in business class. “The entitlement is off the scale,” one critic wrote.
John Barrowman Previously Addressed Career Fallout
The flight controversy comes months after the “Arrow” alum opened up about the lasting effects that resurfaced reports of his past on-set behavior had on his career and mental health. During an episode of the “Inside of You” podcast, host Michael Rosenbaum revealed that he and Barrowman had previously recorded an interview that was later cut at the actor’s request.
The pair eventually sat down for another conversation after Barrowman felt more comfortable discussing reports that he had exposed himself and remained naked on various sets after filming explicit scenes. “I’m fully transparent that I did silly things,” Barrowman said. “When I was doing nude scenes, I was making myself comfortable doing stuff and other people were laughing.”
Barrowman maintained that “no one complained” about his behavior at the time. He claimed the controversy grew after an article revisited earlier comments he had made about exposing himself. “It got bigger and bigger and bigger as people started repeating the stories. It blew up into something that was not factually correct,” he explained.
The actor said the publication of the article in May 2021 caused his world to collapse and continued to affect his professional opportunities and emotional well-being.
