Nicole Kidman (Photo : REUTERS/YVES HERMAN)
Nicole Kidman is under fire for her new venture. Her new role as the face of a major United Arab Emirates airline is drawing huge flak for the actress.
The 47-year-old actress has been told to end her promotional assignment with Etihad Airways. The plea came from the Association of Professional Flight Attendants in a signed petition dated April 2.
"We urge you, on behalf of the women and girls that you spoke of so eloquently, not to play a part in promoting Etihad Airways, a company that imposes abusive labor practices on its female employees and whose sole owner is a government that stands against the very world that you imagine," wrote Laura R. Glading, national president of the association, People reported.
The 25000-membered association also pointed out to its discriminatory labor practices and deplorable treatment of female employees by Etihad Airways. Washington Post claims that several Gulf airlines including Etihad is known for mistreating their staff member especially female employees.
According to a detailed report, any female crew member is told to resign if she gets pregnant within first three years of her service with the airlines. Also, the employees in Gulf carrier allegedly work longer hours than their American and European counterparts.
Kidman was named the brand ambassador of Etihad Airways in March. The Etihad's Flying Reimagined brand campaign featuring the Australian actress has already been launched. Watch it below.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airway has come forward to defend Kidman by slamming the discrimination allegations raised by APFA. The company, the second-largest airline of the United Arab Emirates, also denied the claims about the mistreatment of its pregnant staff members.
Kidman has yet to respond to the matter. "Paddington" actress has gained popularity as a women's right ambassador recently. She was appointed as U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2006 and is still continuing her role. Meanwhile, Etihad has urged Kidman to continue her role as the face of the brand.
