Walking Dead superstar Lennie James has made a startling confession about a deeply unsettling airport security experience that left him permanently changing how he navigates air travel.
The Incident That Changed Everything
During a candid discussion on the Comfort Food with Big Mo podcast, the acclaimed British actor revealed he was once stopped and aggressively searched at an airport in a case of what he believes was clear racial profiling. The traumatic encounter occurred despite James having all his documentation in perfect order.
"I got stopped going through security and taken to one side," James recounted. "They went through everything - and I mean everything."
Lasting Impact on Travel Behaviour
The Morgan Jones actor disclosed that the humiliating experience has had a lasting psychological impact, making him hyper-vigilant about his airport behaviour ever since.
"To this day, it makes me walk through an airport slightly differently," James confessed. "I'm very aware of how I'm walking, what I'm doing, who I'm looking at."
He described developing almost obsessive habits when travelling, including constantly checking that he has his passport and boarding pass readily accessible, even when they're clearly in his possession.
A Pattern of Unfair Treatment
While James didn't specify which airport or country the incident occurred in, he emphasised this wasn't an isolated experience. The talented performer suggested this type of treatment has become an unfortunate reality for many Black travellers.
"It's one of those things that as a Black person, and particularly as a Black man, you get kind of used to," he shared with noticeable emotion. "Not comfortable with, but used to."
From The Walking Dead to Real-Life Drama
The 58-year-old actor is best known for his compelling portrayal of Morgan Jones across both The Walking Dead and its spin-off Fear the Walking Dead. His character's journey from a man broken by loss to a skilled survivor resonated deeply with fans worldwide.
James's revelation highlights that even successful television stars aren't immune to the everyday discrimination that continues to affect countless individuals. His story serves as a powerful reminder that celebrity status doesn't necessarily provide protection from racial profiling.
The actor's honest account has sparked important conversations about airport security procedures and the ongoing need for reform in how certain passengers are treated during travel screening processes.
