WELLINGTON: A New Zealand court bailed three television comedy stars yesterday after a prank in which one wearing a pilot’s uniform tried to enter a restricted area of Auckland Airport.
Prime Minister John Key described the men as ‘a bunch of clowns’ whose antics come as an estimated 95,000 overseas visitors enter the country for the Rugby World Cup.
The trio, from the TV3 show ‘Wannaben’, planned the prank together and one went to the airport to carry it out.
All three were arrested yesterday after police launched a nationwide appeal to find the fake pilot, who was turned away from Auckland Airport’s restricted area on Saturday because he had no identification.
The show’s star Ben Boyce issued an apology after appearing in court charged with breaching civil aviation laws.
“We did not intend to breach security or cause any worry or concern. This was an attempt at humour which we fully accept was misplaced,” he said.
“We did try to contact the police as soon as we could to tell them there was no threat.”
But an obviously irritated Key told reporters: “If it’s a stunt, then I think it’s irresponsible from a bunch of clowns who should know better.
“We’re in the middle of hosting a Rugby World Cup, and if these are people who are just playing games, then they need to grow up a bit.”
He said the fact that the fake pilot was refused access to the restricted area showed airport security was working. They are due back in court on October 18. — AFP