Date: 202007
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Taxi
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Reporter qualification: Flight Attendant Current
Human factors: Communication Breakdown
Anomaly: Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Security; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
Detector: Person Flight Attendant
When detected: Taxi
Result: Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Contributing factors: Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: Before handing Passenger X a hand sanitizing wipe I gently reminded him that wearing a face mask is a requirement during boarding and throughout the duration of our flight. He complied and took his seat. Once the boarding door was closed I made the required announcement and completed a compliance check noticing that Passenger X had placed his face mask under his chin again. I kindly asked him to place his face mask on and reminded him of the required policy. He complied saying 'ok no problem.' I then made our departure announcement which included an introduction as well as the audio safety briefing. During the safety demonstration Passenger X stuck his head out into the aisle making a total mockery out of me (laughing/teasing) once again visibly displaying that he was not wearing a mask. I completed my final compliance check before takeoff and I explained to him that wearing a mask is for his safety; passengers; and crew. I also explained that if he continued to refuse to wear it I'd contact the Captain to have us taxi back to the gate.The FO made an announcement stating that we were fourth in line to takeoff and we continued to slowly taxi to the runway. I was strapped in my jumpseat and noticed that Passenger X stuck his head out in the aisle again with his face mask off. I immediately called the flight deck apologizing for breaking an FAR; but it was my duty to let them know that a customer was being non compliant regarding a safety policy. The flight deck said; 'no worries at all. We'll call Operations Control and determine next steps. stay tuned.' Shortly after I received a call back stating we were taxing back to the gate. There were two customer service managers that met us at the gate. Company representative stepped off to explain what took place. I was asked to step off the aircraft to explain. Customer service personnel stepped on the aircraft and asked which passenger I was referring to because Passenger X's seat was empty. He stepped into the restroom when I stepped off the aircraft. He came out of the restroom and was escorted off of the plane. Company representative thoroughly apologized to our remaining passengers and emphasized the importance of wearing mask. We resumed our flight and had an amazing smooth flight to ZZZ.




Synopsis: Flight Attendant reported that during taxi out a passenger refused several times to wear a COVID-19 protective mask and also mocked the flight attendant when he was reminded to wear the mask. The flight taxied back to the gate and the passenger was removed from the flight.