Stylist Mocked for Downgrading Seat to Avoid White Passengers

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson faced backlash after claiming she moved to avoid "white middle-aged men" on her flight.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, a stylist for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, recently shared on social media that she downgraded her first-class seat to business class to avoid sitting near "white middle-aged men" on her flight to Milan. Her comments were widely criticized as prejudiced, with many drawing comparisons to civil rights icon Rosa Parks, who famously refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus.

Why it matters

Karefa-Johnson's actions were seen by many as an example of reverse racism, where prejudice is directed at a majority group. Critics argued that judging people by their race, regardless of the direction, is fundamentally wrong and undermines efforts to achieve true equality.

The details

In a social media post, Karefa-Johnson said she "downgraded" herself from first class to business class because 5 out of the 6 passengers in her cabin were "white middle-aged men." She claimed she was trying to "protect [her] emotional and mental well-being" from potential "microaggressions." Her comments were met with backlash, with many accusing her of exhibiting prejudiced behavior.

  • Karefa-Johnson shared her story on social media on Tuesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson

A former Vogue editor and current stylist for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who employs Gabriella Karefa-Johnson as his stylist.

Rosa Parks

A civil rights icon who famously refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus, challenging racial discrimination.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sorry you had to do that-you deserve to be anywhere and everywhere. They belong in economy.”

— Threads user (Threads)

“Hard agree! It's just such a bummer that humiliation is part of the gratification for racists. Protecting my peace felt like letting him win and I hate that.”

— Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Stylist (Threads)

“Just like Rosa Parks.”

— X account (Daily Mail)

The takeaway

Karefa-Johnson's actions were widely criticized as exhibiting prejudiced behavior, with many drawing comparisons to the civil rights movement and arguing that judging people by their race, regardless of the direction, is fundamentally wrong and undermines efforts to achieve true equality.