Naomi Campbell boycotting British Airways

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 17 (UPI) -- Supermodel Naomi Campbell says she's boycotting British Airways, chiding the airline that allegedly barred her for disrespecting passengers.

Campbell, in Rio de Janeiro to raise awareness to Brazil's dengue fever epidemic, was barred from British Airways planes after a set-to in London Heathrow Airport over a missing piece of luggage, E! Online reported Thursday.

The airline never officially confirmed the ban, but Campbell said, "Someone from BA called me and asked that I return to fly with them," the 37-year-old model said. "They didn't find my bag -- said it wasn't in the system -- and there was a complete disrespect for the passengers."

Campbell says she's boycotting the airline on behalf of "all those who have been disrespected."

A British Airways representative disputed Campbell's claims, telling a British newspaper, "We are not aware of any pleading phone calls to Ms. Campbell."