2 days ago
4
This is a representational image (Pic credit: AP)
A fashion entrepreneur has filed a lawsuit against
American Airlines
after allegedly enduring an hour-long incident of sexual misconduct by a fellow passenger during a flight from New York City to Milan.
Neel Elsherif, CEO of multiple companies, including the
luxury vegan leather brand Mela
, claims that a man seated next to her engaged in inappropriate behavior while airline staff failed to intervene.
According to the lawsuit filed in Brooklyn federal court, the incident occurred on May 27 on a premium economy flight from JFK Airport. Elsherif alleges that the unidentified man, referred to in legal documents as John Doe, consumed multiple glasses of champagne before engaging in inappropriate behavior, rubbing his groin over his pants and later masturbating for approximately 60 minutes.
Elsherif, 37, said in the legal filing that she was terrified to sleep, fearing potential assault. "She froze in her seat and began to panic; she felt extremely uncomfortable and helpless," the lawsuit says.
Despite paying $3,000 for her seat, she claims no crew members patrolled the premium economy cabin during the incident. When she reported the misconduct to a flight attendant, she was allegedly met with indifference and was told, "Men just do stuff like that." The attendant further suggested that her only option was to move to the coach section, the lawsuit says.
Elsherif contends that the flight crew did not report the incident, nor did they address John Doe regarding his alleged actions. She also claims the response reinforced harmful stereotypes about women tolerating misconduct.
Additionally, the lawsuit accuses the airline of negligence, discrimination, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Elsherif alleges that her concerns were dismissed because she is an Arab woman.
In response to the legal action, an American Airlines spokesperson said, "American strives to provide a positive experience to everyone who travels with us. We are reviewing the allegations of the complaint."
The case raises concerns over airline policies and the handling of in-flight harassment incidents. Legal proceedings are ongoing.
