Stormzy in ‘passport row’ before reportedly missing World Cup final
Artist reportedly missed big match after Heathrow staff took issue with his travel documents
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The rapper and singer Stormzy was reportedly seen arguing with check-in staff at Heathrow Airport on Saturday, over what appeared to be an issue with his passport.
A fellow passenger spotted the star seemingly getting frustrated with Heathrow check-in agents, and filmed the disagreement.
In the clip, which was shared with The Sun, a tall man alleged to be Stormzy is seen saying: “This year, all year...” in a loud, exasperated voice.
When the airline agent asks him about it, he says, “the same passport, the exact same passport,” waving his travel document in the air as he emphasises: “The SAME passport. I’ve got one passport.”
Qatar is also mentioned as a destination in the conversation; the singer was reportedly booked to travel to the Qatari capital of Doha to watch Sunday’s World Cup final between France and Argentina.
Photos were taken of the frustrated artist sitting on his suitcase at the check-in desk as airline staff gathered round him, checking his phone for information.
Onlookers told the newspaper that the performer had been checking in for a Qatar Airways flight to when the problem arose.
“It looked like staff were making the point there was some sort of passport issue,” one eyewitness told reporters.
“He was very frustrated.”
The same onlooker told The Sun that shortly after the disagreement, the star left the airport terminal and got into a car.
The Independent has approached Stormzy’s representation and Qatar Airways for comment.
Viewers of the Qatar World Cup final were stunned to see Sunday’s match play out in front of thousands of empty seats, as Argentina took on France at Lusail Stadium.
Despite a significant number of Argentina fans turning up, the stadium was not full in time for the opening whistle.
Celebrities including David Beckham, Emmanuel Macron, Novak Djokovic and Elon Musk were all pictured at the Doha stadium on the day of the final.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments