Tabloids claim co-pilot in Germanwings crash was bullied over gay rumours
Tabloid newspapers are claiming that Andreas Lubitz – who is thought to have killed 150 people in a plane crash – was bullied over rumours he was gay.
Andreas Lubitz was co-pilot on flight 4U 9525 from Barcelona to Düsseldorf on Tuesday, and is thought to have deliberately crashed the plane in the French Alps, killing everyone on board.
Tabloids have continued to speculate about the motives of Lubitz – who had a girlfriend – with the Daily Star‘s front page today claiming: “Killer pilot’s secret gay torment”.
The newspaper claims that the pilot was bullied and dubbed Tomato Andy because he had previously worked as an airline steward – and also claims that he frequented a nightclub that has regular drag queen performers.
It claimed: “Lubitz’ relationship with his girlfriend is said to have broken down and it has been claimed that he was secretly homosexual.”
The Mirror also picked up on the rumours, reporting: “It also emerged Lubitz suffered ‘gay’ taunts from colleagues because of his background as cabin crew.”
“He was nicknamed ‘Tomato Andy’ because they believed he didn’t know if he was a ‘fruit or veg’ – a reference to his sexuality.”
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
