I guess it wasn’t really up to him then, was it? He didn’t really have a choice, unless he wanted a beatdown.
Actually I think it was. But when he became belligerent and acting like a BLM protester, I think UAL became more firm in their insistence. That's my opinion.
By the way, I don't own airline stock, and I travel frequently myself and am frustrated about what air travel entails.
But I disapprove of this type of entitlement mentality and childish behavior.