British Airways is facing mounting criticism after quietly removing two acclaimed documentaries from its in-flight entertainment system, including one featuring celebrated documentary maker Louis Theroux.
The airline has confirmed it pulled both Louis Theroux's Shooting Joe Exotic and the BAFTA-winning film Bob Vylan: The Making of a Band from its viewing library, citing "operational reasons" for the controversial decision.
Content Controversy at 35,000 Feet
The removal came to light when punk duo Bob Vylan took to social media to express their disappointment, revealing their documentary had been available for just two months before being pulled. The band's management confirmed they received notification from BA about the removal but were given no specific explanation.
Louis Theroux's documentary, which explores the bizarre world of Tiger King star Joe Exotic, and Bob Vylan's film, which follows the band's journey to winning the prestigious MOBO Award, were both popular choices among passengers before their sudden disappearance.
Airline's Vague Explanation
A British Airways spokesperson stated: "We regularly review and update the content on our inflight entertainment system to ensure we're offering a wide variety of options for our customers. On occasion, we may need to remove content for operational reasons."
The vague explanation has done little to satisfy critics who see the move as censorship. Industry insiders suggest the content might have been deemed too controversial or politically charged for the airline's diverse international audience.
Artistic Community Reacts
The decision has sparked outrage within the entertainment industry, with many questioning what constitutes appropriate viewing material for air travel in 2024. Bob Vylan's documentary in particular addresses social issues and the band's experiences with racism and class inequality in Britain.
This incident raises broader questions about content curation in the skies and whether airlines should act as moral arbiters for what passengers can watch during their journeys.
British Airways has not indicated whether the documentaries might return to their entertainment lineup in the future.
