Emma Donovan slams Perth taxi drivers for alleged racism: 'I'm absolutely furious' | theMusic.com.au

Emma Donovan has opened up about an abhorrent experience she had at Perth Airport last week, when several taxi drivers allegedly refused to serve her because of her skin color.

Popular singer-songwriter and woman Naaguja/Yamatji posted about the incident at 11:20 p.m. last Friday (June 7), just after taking off on her flight from Melbourne (Naarm) – where she performed a show launch for her just- released solo album, Until my song is finished, the night before (June 6). In his post, Donovan claimed that two airport taxi drivers refused to accept him as a passenger, with one going so far as to “comment that he doesn't like 'my kind'.” .

“I am absolutely furious writing this, in tears and angry,” Donovan said. “I’m going to report these guys one way or another.”

The artist went on to note that a “nice fulla” offered to drive her to Vic Park in his own car and said of the whole situation: “I know it wasn't because from a short ride, I know it was racism at its finest.

Talk to the ABC, Donovan explained his story: “Before I can get my hand on the door handle, the taxi driver jumps out and says, 'Where are you going?' And I said, “I'm heading to Vic Park” – I had my car there, which I was ready to pick up after that – and he just looked at me (and said), “Nup.” .

“There was also a comment that they didn't accept my species – and I knew straight away it was because of the color of my skin. And I was standing there… At that point I was crying and I said, “You won't take me because of a short ride?” Or are you not taking me because of the color of my skin?

In a statement shared with TheMusic.com.au, a Perth Airport spokesperson came to Donovan's defense, saying “there is no place for racism in our society.” They continued: “The taxi industry is regulated by the state government. We urge Ms. Donovan to file a report with the Department of Transportation and would be happy to assist her in filing the complaint.

“Perth Airport will identify whether there is CCTV footage of the incident and provide it to the Department to facilitate any investigation into the allegations. Perth Airport will also remind all taxi companies of our expectation that all passengers are treated with courtesy and dignity.

Donovan has since confirmed that she has filed a complaint against the drivers alleged to have assaulted her.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport also contacted TheMusic.com.au, confirming that she has “begun her own investigation” and “will help (Donovan) formalize her complaint, if she wishes.” The department said it “does not tolerate racist behavior by paratransit drivers.”

The ministry's statement continues: “Drivers of on-demand or hail (taxi) vehicles must accept any passenger, unless (in the case of specific circumstances) describe on the department's website)… Refusing service to a passenger outside of these circumstances can result in penalties of up to $3,000.