American Airlines, in a legal response to a civil lawsuit, initially placed blame on a 9-year-old girl for using an airplane restroom allegedly rigged with a recording device by a former employee. The incident, which occurred during a flight from Austin, Texas, to Los Angeles, California, sparked outrage as the airline argued the child was negligent for using the lavatory.
However, in the face of public backlash and scrutiny, American Airlines has now revised its stance. The company stated that the response filed by its law firm was made in error and does not reflect its position. They emphasized that they take the allegations seriously and do not believe the child is at fault.
American Airlines Former Employee Faces Federal Charges
The lawsuit implicates a former American Airlines flight attendant, Estes Carter Thompson, who allegedly placed recording devices in airplane restrooms. Thompson, 37, is facing federal charges including sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography. Investigations revealed that Thompson had recorded several minors, including the 9-year-old girl, over a period from January to August 2023.
Thompson’s indictment in Massachusetts sheds light on the severity of the situation. Additionally, parents of a 14-year-old, referred to as Jane Doe, who was similarly recorded, have filed complaints against American Airlines in North Carolina. The complaint alleges that the airline’s failure to promptly confiscate the flight attendant’s phone and notify the authorities allowed for the destruction of evidence and exacerbated the harm suffered by the victims.
Legal Battle Unfolds Amid Emotional Distress
As legal proceedings continue, the focus shifts to the emotional toll on the victims and their families. Attorney Paul Llewellyn, representing the 9-year-old girl and her family, criticized American Airlines’ initial legal strategy as “depraved” and “shocking.” He emphasized the need for accountability and denounced attempts to blame the child for the incident.
Meanwhile, Jane Doe’s attorneys are seeking relief for the emotional distress and damages caused by the alleged negligence of American Airlines. With Thompson’s arraignment in Massachusetts and a scheduled court appearance in July, the legal battle surrounding the in-flight recording incidents is far from over.
In the wake of these troubling events, questions loom over airline safety protocols and the responsibility of corporations to protect passengers, especially minors, from such violations of privacy and security.
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