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Queen’s Brian May complains about ‘ageist’ treatment at airport

Guitarist opens up about "serious truth" of discrimination

Rock legend Brian May was reportedly ‘angered’ when a border control official mocked his appearance, a newspaper report has claimed.

According to MailOnline, the Queen guitarist was teased over his iconic hairdo – with an airport employee apparently “sniggering” at the grey-curled star.

The tabloid reports the official did a double take of Brian, 71, and claimed not to recognise him, despite his unmistakable and lengthy locks.

Brian is quoted as recalling the guard “looked at my passport picture, and then at me, and said: ‘Oh, but the man in this picture has black hair – doesn’t look anything like you.’

Music icon believes he encountered “ageism” (Credit: Instagram @brianmayforreal)

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“He added a little snigger, as if he was pleased with his powers of observation and wittiness. I said: ‘It happens to us all – it will even happen to you, if you’re lucky.'”

However, it seems the encounter was anything but a laughing matter for Brian, who believes he was discriminated against because of his age.

He is reported to have continued: “There’s a serious truth here. We are all massively conscious that we mustn’t behave or speak in ways that are sexist, or racist… but ageism is alive and well.”

“Disgraceful,” reacted one supporter on Twitter.

Holidaying in Zanzibar with wife Anita Dobson (Credit: Instagram @brianmayforreal)

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Another concurred on the social media site: “Brian’s correct. Smart alec at border 😡.”

And another person added: “He looks a damn sight better than the average 71-year-old man.”

Brian’s recognisable curls are greyer than they once were (Credit: Instagram @brianmayforreal)

A representative for Brian declined to comment when approached by ED!.

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer