JetBlue Flight Racist Tirade: Burger King Crown & Viral Outbursts

Andreanne Kreiger III 15 May 2025

Is a fast-food crown a symbol of hate? On October 20, a JetBlue flight from Jamaica to New York became the stage for a disturbing display of racism, reigniting a debate about online behavior, mental health, and the insidious nature of prejudice in the 21st century.

The events unfolded aboard JetBlue flight 1760, a flight destined for New York from Kingston, Jamaica. Minutes after the aircraft doors closed, a passenger, later identified as Ryan Brewer, launched into a racist tirade. Witnesses reported that Brewer, who was wearing a Burger King crown, began yelling racial slurs at fellow passengers. This wasn't an isolated incident; Brewer had reportedly been removed from a JetBlue flight for similar behavior just weeks prior. The details of the incident were captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms, turning Brewer into an unwilling, and deeply problematic, viral sensation.

The initial video, shared widely on platforms like TikTok and subsequently picked up by mainstream media outlets, shows Brewer yelling at crew members and other passengers. The video begins with Brewer seemingly upset about seating arrangements. However, the situation quickly escalates as he shouts racial slurs. The man's outburst, captured on multiple videos, shows him aggressively targeting other passengers. Witnesses reported that Brewer was also physically aggressive, assaulting a flight attendant during the incident. The chaotic scene culminated in Brewer being removed from the flight and arrested in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Burger King crown, the man was wearing became a symbol of the incident. It's a juxtaposition of the banal and the hateful, a visual reminder of the ease with which prejudice can manifest in everyday settings. The crown itself, a cheap and cheerful piece of fast-food ephemera, became a focal point of online discussion, with many pointing out the irony of associating a symbol of consumerism with such overt displays of hate. The choice of the crown was a striking detail, drawing attention to the man even before he started yelling racial slurs.

The viral video also revealed a deeper, more complex narrative. The video captured the man's rant and the ensuing chaos. It showed his aggressive behavior, but also raised important questions about the man's mental state and the nature of online fame. The man, now known as the "Burger King Plane Guy," became a subject of intense online scrutiny. The video footage revealed an individual seemingly struggling with internal conflicts and a lack of control.

The incident quickly prompted a response from the public, the media and other online communities. Many users were quick to condemn Brewer's actions, emphasizing the need for accountability and the harmful impact of racism. Others focused on the viral nature of the event, discussing the ethics of filming and sharing such incidents online. The event also became a case study in the phenomenon of instant online notoriety.

The incident triggered a variety of responses. Law enforcement quickly got involved, arresting Brewer in Kingston. JetBlue and other airlines implemented internal protocols to handle such cases in the future. The general public expressed a range of emotions, with many condemning Brewer's actions while others engaged in heated debates about the social implications of the situation.

The man's behavior was quickly condemned. There were reports of other incidents involving Brewer, suggesting a pattern of disruptive behavior and a need for mental health intervention. His actions led to calls for stricter measures to be implemented by the airlines, including tougher penalties for those exhibiting abusive and offensive behavior.

A deeper dive into Brewers background reveals a complex picture of mental health struggles. According to reports, Brewer is a native of Michigan and Ohio. The article linked to this thread reveals that Brewer has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Further, he attempted to enter a romantic relationship with a Jamaican woman and made promises to bring her home, but ended up being scammed out of money. This aspect of his story serves as a reminder that the issues of mental health and social isolation can influence human actions and behavior.

The incident raised pressing questions about mental health. It highlighted the need for awareness around the importance of seeking professional help. It emphasized the importance of creating supportive environments for individuals with mental health conditions. The incident should serve as a catalyst for open conversation and action.

The role of social media in this episode is impossible to ignore. The viral videos of Brewer's racist outburst were widely shared on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, reaching millions of viewers. The quick spread of this video highlights the power of social media to disseminate information, create viral sensations, and shape public perception. While some see the event as a cautionary tale about the potential for hate speech online, others see it as an opportunity for accountability and dialogue.

The incident is a testament to the importance of respecting others. In the aftermath of the events, there was a renewed push for better treatment of people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, origin, or background. The incident also serves as a harsh reminder of the need for unity and understanding in society.

The incident also generated considerable online discussion about the meaning and function of symbols. The Burger King crown, which the man was wearing, became an emblem of the incident. The crown, typically associated with fast-food chains, became a potent symbol of racism and hatred. This symbolism has caused people to question the ability of everyday objects to gain new meanings.

The rapid spread of the video is a reflection of the current media landscape. Social media has become a key platform for the distribution of news and information. The event serves as a reminder of how quickly information travels in the digital age. It also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of those who record and share such content. Media companies responded with news articles and commentary, which created a cycle of news and public conversation that contributed to the incident's extensive reach.

Brewer's actions have created a wide range of discussions. It prompted a broader discussion about mental illness, online behavior, and hate speech. The event highlighted the need for better mental health resources, and the need for the airline industry to deal with instances of racism and disruptive behavior.

There is a call to action to improve the treatment of people. The incident has highlighted the need for respect, inclusion, and understanding across racial lines. There were requests for increased awareness and the need to take action to address racial prejudice.

The event highlights the role of airline companies. The airline industry is expected to respond to instances of racism and disruptive behavior. There were suggestions for stricter protocols and measures to be implemented.

The incident also spurred conversation about online accountability. The case raised questions about the ethics of sharing videos of hate speech. Discussions regarding accountability and the consequences for spreading such content online have become common.

Full Name	Ryan Brewer
Known For	Viral incident on a JetBlue flight
Date of Incident	October 20, 2023
Location of Incident	JetBlue flight 1760 from Kingston, Jamaica to New York
Nationality	American
Allegations	Racist remarks, assault of flight attendant
Mental Health	Schizophrenia (as per reports)
Online Presence	YouTube channel (details available in reports)
Additional Information	Attempted to bring home a woman from Jamaica, scammed

Reference: TMZ

The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the persistent challenges of racism in contemporary society and shows how easily prejudice can be expressed. The event also reminds us of the complex intersection of mental health, social behavior, and the power of media in the modern world.