Reality Star’s Jacket Found After Theft Accusations
Social media erupts as Jacqui Burfoot accuses airline staff of theft.
A social media storm erupted after reality TV star Jacqui Burfoot publicly accused airline staff of stealing a jacket, only for it to be located later. The incident underscores the power of social media to amplify grievances.
Missing Garment
During a flight, a flight attendant offered to store a jacket belonging to Clint Rice, only to forget to return it upon landing. Burfoot and Rice realized the jacket was missing upon arrival at their hotel.
Enraged, Burfoot contacted Jetstar customer service. She became further incensed when told no lost property had been handed in, leading to strong words.
“The guy was like, ‘There was no lost property handed in today – we’re going to file a case for you’,”
—Jacqui Burfoot
The next day, Burfoot reported that the jacket had been found after Jetstar contacted Rice.
Resolution and Apology
Clint Rice shared the good news: the jacket was located at Sydney Airport and would be delivered that night. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. airlines mishandled 6.88 bags per 1,000 enplanements in January 2024.
Burfoot conceded she might have been hasty in her judgment. She expressed relief that the matter was resolved. The jacket had been set aside in the manager’s office because staff recognized their names.
“The best news is that they said that because they recognised that they knew our names, they didn’t put it with the usual lost property. They put it in the manager’s office,” she stated.
Social Media Backlash
Despite the positive outcome, Burfoot faced criticism from her Instagram followers. Many took issue with her initial accusation of theft against the cabin crew.
Some users pointed out the unlikelihood of crew members stealing items. One user suggested that the jacket was more likely lost in the mix by ground crew. Others suggested that it was Burfoot’s responsibility to remember the jacket.
Ultimately, the incident highlights the potential pitfalls of public accusations made on social media, especially when the situation is still unfolding.