Good Charlotte star Joel Madden has hit out at airline workers after he was banned from boarding a plane until he covered up his tattoos.

The rocker was preparing to fly from Chicago, Illinois' O'Hare International Airport to London to film a new music video when British Airways officials ordered him to hide the body art on his arms.

And he was left stunned when they told him he could not board the jet unless he complied with their regulations.

Madden vented his frustration on social networking site Twitter.com, telling fans: "Was just told by a british air person I can't get on the plane till I cover my tatts. Should I fight the power?

"I really actually am in shock, he won't let me on the plane till I put long sleeves on and another BA rep is disagreeing."

Madden later acknowledged he had given in to the demands - but planned to complain to company bosses over his treatment.

He updated his blog to read: "I still can't believe Brit Air discriminated me for tatts. Unheard of. the guy was literally disgusted by me. I'm gonna write a letter!!

"I did end up covering my tats. It's not my style to cause a scene, I just had a convo with the BA guy, told him how it was discrimination."

And Madden insists he was left humiliated by the incident: "Yes I covered up to board the BA flight. I didn't want to miss it. And honestly I was embarrassed all the people were staring and laughing!

"It's not in the rules that I can find. My tatts arent offensive. Looking into it. I havent felt this small since the first time i asked nic (partner Nicole Richie) out."

And Richie, who has a daughter with Madden, also waded in to the row, writing on her own Twitter.com page: "That's the craziest story I've ever heard. It's sad there is still such discrimination in this world. PS all of joel madden's tattoos are spiritual. Since when is expressing your love for God & family against what British Airways stands for?"