Celebrity artist Ashley Longshore claims “abuse” by United Airlines staff in public meltdown

Longshore's art is admired by celebrities such as Blake Lively and Salma Hayek.

Popular artist Ashley Longshore alleged mistreatment by United Airlines staff, stating she felt "abused" after a flight attendant instructed her to keep her dog inside its carrier during a trip to New Orleans.

Longshore, admired by celebrities such as Blake Lively and Salma Hayek, with artwork fetching prices up to $10 million, posted on Instagram tearfully after being reprimanded for taking her Brussels Griffon dog out to hydrate it.

(Image: ashleylongshoreart on Instagram)

In a now-deleted post on July 1, she wrote, “@United your flight attendant just made me shove and smash my dog under the seat and threatened me if I removed her or gave her water during a 3 hour flight! This is abusive!!!! I am so upset! I am sobbing!”

“@united….. this is abusive and cruel. To tell me i can not give her water!!!!!!! To call the captain and threaten to kick me off the plane because i am sobbing…… Does anyone know what i can do here????”

She then went on to say, “This is absolutely CRUEL!!! @United this is BULLSH-T!!!!!!!! I have never made a rant like this on social media but this is my dog!!!! I am very upset,” the Alabama-born painter and sculptor vented in the caption, including the hashtag “#animalabuse.” 

A spokesperson for United Airlines stated that a flight attendant on the Newark to New Orleans flight requested Ashley Longshore to adhere to their policies regarding pet travel.

“Our crew reminded the customer of our pet in cabin policy, which requires the carrier to remain closed,” the spokesperson explained.