Rapper Lil Pump banned from Jet Blue after refusing to wear a mask

by Morgan Gstalter - 12/29/20 7:41 AM ET

Rapper Lil Pump has been banned from flying on JetBlue Airways after refusing to wear a face mask.

JetBlue representative Derek Dombrowski confirmed to USA Today that the performer, whose real name is Gazzy Garcia, violated the coronavirus safety precaution during a Sunday flight from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles.

The 20-year-old reportedly “became verbally abusive with crew members after being asked multiple times and refusing to comply with JetBlue’s face covering policy,” according to Dombrowski.

“His return reservation was canceled and he is no longer welcome to fly on JetBlue,” Dombrowski said. “The safety of all customers and crewmembers is JetBlue’s first priority.”

A representative for the “Gucci Gang” rapper declined to comment to the outlet.

JetBlue was the first U.S. airline to require passengers to wear face masks to stem the spread of coronavirus starting May 4.

Passengers 2 years and older need to cover their nose and mouth through their entire journey, including during check-in and while boarding, in-flight and deplaning.

Travelers are notified of the requirement in emails and at the airport.

“Wearing a face covering isn’t about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting those around you,” Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue’s president and chief operating officer, said at the time. “This is the new flying etiquette. Onboard, cabin air is well circulated and cleaned through filters every few minutes but this is a shared space where we have to be considerate of others. We are also asking our customers to follow these [Centers of Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines in the airport as well.”

Lil Pump made headlines last month when he threw his support behind President Trump ahead of the November election.

During a rally in Michigan, the president accidentally referred to him as “Little Pimp” before correcting himself.

“You brought the troops home and you’re doing the right thing. MAGA 20, 20, 20. Don’t forget that! And do not vote for Sleepy Joe at all!” the rapper said on stage, evoking the president’s nickname for his Democratic opponent, now-President-elect Joe Biden.