More details have emerged from the JFK Airport incident that culminated in then-WWE star Matt Riddle accusing a Port Authority police officer of sexual assault.
After a Sep. 9 flight to Orlando that Riddle was scheduled for had multiple delays, he apparently had a couple of drinks before grabbing the gate microphone and speaking into it.
Riddle was released by WWE earlier this month in a round of cuts that also included Dolph Ziggler, Elias, Shelton Benjamin, Mustafa Ali, Rick Boogs, Emma, Aliyah, Riddick Moss and Hit Row’s Top Dolla.
Video obtained by TMZ shows Riddle on the microphone, with a drink in his other hand, looking at an unidentified fellow passenger, and saying, “I’m looking at you dead in the eye, you know how to fly … I know how to fly! F–king fly!”
It was simultaneously clear that he was trying to make light of a situation that had to be aggravating for all of his fellow travelers, and surreal for them to witness.
The gate agent, who appeared amused by the situation, ultimately wrested the microphone away from him.
A witness told the outlet that Riddle was “incredibly obnoxious” during the delay, carrying himself in an “extremely loud and rude” manner.
When it finally came time to board the plane, Riddle was denied entry due to his state of possible intoxication.
Police eventually responded to the incident, and Riddle reportedly apologized to them and was subsequently free to leave the airport without a police report getting filed.
Later, however, Riddle accused one of the officers of sexual misconduct.
“Nothing like being sexually assaulted by an officer and harassed at the jfk airport,” Riddle wrote in an Instagram post that has since been deleted.
“No means no and just because I’m nice doesn’t mean yes!!! Asshole!!! Don’t know they’re [sic] Twitter or instagram handles but I took pictures, normally I’m like whatever but today was really weird and uncomfortable and they made a point to make me feel small and useless. Definitely one of the most uncomfortable travel days I’ve ever had thanks NYC you’re so progressive and accepting!”