Can you believe that this woman actually shoved him.......

Clay Aiken involved in airplane spat July 8, 2007, 12:14 pm PDT


Associated Press

TULSA, Okla. -

Clay Aiken was involved in an airplane disturbance with another passenger Saturday while en route to Tulsa International Airport, a newspaper reported.

The dispute on a Continental Airlines flight took place between Aiken, who was traveling Saturday morning to a performance at the Brady Theater, and a woman, the Tulsa World reported for Sunday's editions.

Concertgoers who attended the ormer "American Idol" singer's show said afterward that Aiken joked on-stage about being beaten up by a girl earlier in the day.

FBI Special Agent Gary Johnson said there was a dispute between a male passenger and a woman on the flight but could not confirm the passenger was Aiken. He said the dispute was over the male passenger's foot resting on the woman's armrest. He said there was an allegation the woman gave the male passenger a "minor shove" during the argument.

"At that point the flight crew was able to resolve the situation," Johnson said.

Tulsa Airport Authority spokeswoman Alexis Higgins said the passengers were held until FBI agents arrived to interview them. No injuries were reported and no arrests were made.

Aiken was runner-up on the TV talent show "American Idol" in 2003.

Telephone calls and e-mails from The Associated Press to Aiken's publicist and manager in Los Angeles were not returned Sunday.

Here is Clay's statement to THE INSIDER:

Clay Aiken's 'Insider' Exclusive!


Singer CLAY AIKEN is speaking exclusively to "The Insider" about his alleged involvement in a minor dispute with a woman on a plane Saturday.

Clay tells us:

"While sleeping on a plane over the weekend, my foot evidently found a home on the arm rest of the passenger seated directly in front of me. I didn't realize I was causing the woman any distress until she woke me up with a quick hit to the chest. Unfortunately, being that this happened on a plane, the FBI was called in to investigate and eventually we were all sent on our way.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their concern; I am fine and have taken steps to prevent any foot wandering in the future.

"Now that I have your attention, if you'd like to learn more about how you can help the world's children, please visit www.unicefusa.org.

"Thank you,
Clay"