Brazilian Comedian Alleges Xenophobic Treatment by Lufthansa Staff in Berlin, Rejects €300 Offer

Overview

• Fernanda Arantes says the confrontation unfolded on March 3 at Berlin airport after she sought help paying for an extra checked bag she could not buy online.
• According to her account, a check‑in employee refused assistance, insisted she speak German, told her to be “grateful” for first‑class attention, and after seeing her Brazilian passport said she would not be served and to “go back to your place.”
• Arantes reports that she contacted police at the airport and intends to pursue formal remedies, describing the episode as humiliating and xenophobic.
• An email shown by Arantes states Lufthansa is taking the report seriously, contacted the airport manager to investigate, and does not tolerate discriminatory behavior.
• The email also offered €300 as a goodwill payment contingent on bank details and an extrajudicial agreement, which Arantes refused; she says any compensation she might obtain later would be donated to a Berlin refugee center, and outlets said the airline’s press office had not provided an independent statement.