Air NZ’s transphobic taunt

Air New Zealand has suffered immense criticism after poking fun at disgraced female Belarus Olympian Nadzeya Ostapchuk in its latest online promotion. 

The airline was accused of transphobia when it launched its Grabaseat Christmas Cracker competition, offering consolation ‘jokes’ to those who didn’t win a prize, news.com.au reported.

The joke in question suggested Ms Ostapchuk has testicles.

‘What large heavy ball was responsible for Valerie Adams’ gold medal? The Belarusian’s left testicle.’

The joke is a reference to Ms Ostapchuk testing positive for a banned steroid after winning gold in shotput at the Olympic Games earlier this year.

Ms Ostapchuk was then stripped of her medal and Kiwi Valerie Adams declared winner.

Twitter users have asked Air NZ to apologise for the “unbelievably offensive” joke.

Air NZ responded by tweeting, “not everyone likes our x-mas cracker jokes so tell us your tacky kiwi jokes & we'll add our favourites into the cracker”.

Sandwich chain Habitual Fix received complaints after creating a poster with a picture of Ms Ostapchuk to sell its ‘manwich’, featuring the catchlines ‘no added hormones or steroids’ and ‘no hidden a-genders’.

Earlier last month, the mayor of Blenheim called on Air New Zealand to issue a “public apology” after the airline renamed Blenheim ‘Beastheim’ as part of an online Halloween campaign.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasia