Paul O'Grady held at airport over communist fears

Wed Aug 12 10:46AM by TV Editor

Paul O'Grady

Paul O'Grady has revealed that he was held by officials at a US airport because they thought he was a communist.

The TV presenter said he was taken aside for questioning at Miami airport by staff who made the assumption because of his 'funny' accent.

He was then held for two hours while an officer accused him of being an 'illegal alien' from Cuba.

He told listeners of his Radio 2 show: "How could I be accused of being an illegal Cuban alien? Do I look Cuban? Do I sound Cuban?"

He added: "I've been to hell, folks - it's called Miami airport."

The Channel 4 star was later released after the customs officials studied his passport and found no links with Cuba.

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User comments

  • (1)

    Hahahahaha he's cracking!!

    Posted by: jasperesme on Thu Aug 13 02:00PM | Report abuse
  • (2)

    Poor paul o'grady

    Posted by: sophie.alice15 on Thu Aug 13 02:23PM | Report abuse
  • (3)

    This is another reason why I haven't visited the US in 9 years. I have no desire to even look at the airport goons who are like robots. I have no desire to ever return to the USA.

    Posted by: europe7777 on Thu Aug 13 02:43PM | Report abuse
  • (4)

    Didn't they realise they were dealing with a National Treasure, shame on them!!!

    Posted by: housefiller on Thu Aug 13 02:57PM | Report abuse
  • (5)

    I Laughed myself silly when I read this I tought it was a joke poor Paul I have heard everything now he should invite Barak Obamha on his show. LL

    Posted by: lyndundee on Thu Aug 13 03:25PM | Report abuse