The 23-year-old tells pal the shocking video featuring she shot in her BA uniform was meant to be a private joke between colleagues
A BRITISH Airways hostess has been sacked for a “racist” Snapchat rant after a two-hour showdown with airline bosses – but she still insists it was a joke, according to a pal.
Joanne Wickenden filmed herself railing against Nigerian passengers demanding "f***ing upgrades" while wearing her smart flight uniform.
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But the airline has now decided to fire the 23-year-old.
British Airways told Sun Online: “We expect the utmost professionalism from our staff when they are representing British Airways.”
A close friend earlier defended Wickenden's actions, telling the : "She's not racist, it was a joke between two friends.
"It wasn't meant to be racist. She is not saying she dislikes Nigerians and she's not saying that anyone is better than anyone else."
Earlier it was reported that an online profile on dating site Plenty Of Fish shows the 23-year-old "wants to date but nothing serious".
And a talent agency lists her as an aspiring actress whose page has been viewed more than 130 times.
The apparent race-hate footage - allegedly recorded in her car - was spotted by fellow cabin crew who quickly reported it to bosses at BA.
In the outrageous footage, Wickenden rants: "All Nigerians are going to be asking for f***ing upgrades."
During the Snapchat clip, she also bragged how she was going to handle passengers on the six-hour flight.
One part of the video was captioned: "I can't cope with this flight."
She adds: "Alright, so all of yous are there getting ready for your Friday night, getting in the pre-drinks, you know, as you do.
"And I'm here, getting ready to go to work, put on a yellow life jacket, point out the exits, hand out chicken or beef, what sort of Friday night is this for me?
"All the Nigerians are gonna be there like 'gimme Coca Cola, gimme me beef, why you have no beef left? I want beef.'
"And I'm just gonna be there like, 'Sorry sir, we ran out of beef'."
She makes reference to what she refers to as a bbc — short for a “big black c***”.
Wickenden says: “The upside is I’m going to Nigeria and there’s going to be bare bbc — I’m joking, I’m joking.”
She also goes on to make a "joke" about the size of the male passenger's todgers in a mock Nigerian accent.
She said: "All the Nigerians are gonna be there asking for f***ing upgrades because they haven't got enough leg room because their b***s are in their way.
"Big d**** like this swinging from side to side."
Wickenden refused to comment about the video at the home she shares with her parents in Fareham, Hants
A former BA cabin crew worker who recognised her in it, said: “It’s disgraceful.
“But I’m not entirely surprised. I left BA due to the poor wages and people like her being brought in.
“They seemingly don’t have any life experience and have no pride in the job.
“I’ve heard all sorts on planes — usually racism and homophobia among staff — although it’s always behind the curtain.
“This girl has been incredibly stupid. I hope she issues her own apology to the people she has offended.”
A former classmate of Wickenden’s said she was “renowned for making inappropriate jokes at school”.
