CEO Sues American Airlines, Claiming Flight Attendant Dismissed Her Worries About Man Allegedly Masturbating in First Class

CEO Sues American Airlines over Alleged First Class Incident

A CEO has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, claiming a disturbing incident where a male passenger allegedly masturbated in first class for an hour during a flight to Milan. The woman, Neel Elsherif, who heads multiple companies including the vegan leather brand Mela, lodged a complaint in the U.S. District Court’s Eastern District of New York, accusing the airline of negligence, discrimination, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Elsherif’s legal team argues that the flight attendant’s response to her report implied that she was expected to endure such misconduct due to her gender. The lawsuit contends that the flight attendant’s comments perpetuated the stereotype that women must tolerate such behaviour as a part of life. Furthermore, the complaint suggests that Elsherif, of Arab and Middle Eastern descent, faced discriminatory treatment compared to the white male passenger involved.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred during a premium economy flight from New York City to Milan in May 2024. Elsherif noticed the man behaving inappropriately shortly after the lights dimmed for the flight. Despite her discomfort and attempts to alert a flight attendant, the alleged misconduct continued for an hour before the woman sought assistance.

Upon reporting the incident to a flight attendant, Elsherif claims she was dismissed and even told that “men just do stuff like that.” She further alleges that the attendant refused her request to have the man moved to another seat in coach, despite her paying over $3,000 for her premium seat. The complaint also states that the flight attendant exhibited preferential treatment towards the male passenger following the incident.

Elsherif’s legal representatives have called for the airline to provide compensation for the emotional distress endured during the flight. American Airlines has responded by stating that they are currently reviewing the allegations presented in the complaint. Meanwhile, Elsherif has refrained from making additional comments on the matter when approached for further details.

In light of this lawsuit, it is important to consider the broader implications of such incidents on airline passengers and the duty of care that airlines have towards their customers. Instances of in-flight misconduct and the appropriate response protocols from airline staff need to be thoroughly assessed to ensure the safety and comfort of all travellers.

If you or someone you know has experienced any form of sexual assault, it is crucial to seek support and guidance from resources like the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Such incidents highlight the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to address inappropriate behaviour on airline flights.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this case will likely have implications for how airlines handle similar situations in the future. Airlines must prioritise passenger safety and well-being, regardless of the circumstances, to uphold a standard of professionalism and accountability in the aviation industry.