Passenger Alleges Discrimination After Being Forcibly Removed From Airplane Bathroom

NEW YORK (AP) — An Orthodox Jewish passenger has filed a lawsuit against United Airlines, claiming a pilot forcibly removed him from an airplane bathroom, exposing his genitalia during a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston. Yisroel Liebb, along with fellow traveler Jacob Sebbag, alleges discrimination and excessive force by airline staff and federal agents during the incident on Jan. 28.

According to the lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, Liebb was in the airplane bathroom for approximately 20 minutes when a flight attendant woke Sebbag to check on him. Understanding Liebb’s gastrointestinal issues, Sebbag assured the attendant that his friend would exit shortly.

However, after another ten minutes, the pilot approached Sebbag, demanding that he check on Liebb again. The situation escalated when the pilot allegedly yelled for Liebb to leave the bathroom immediately. Liebb responded, indicating he would be out shortly. In an alarming turn, the pilot broke the lock and forcibly pulled Liebb out, leaving him exposed in front of passengers and crew.

“I felt sexually violated and embarrassed after the incident,” Liebb stated in the court documents. He and Sebbag reported that, after being removed, the pilot threatened them with arrest and made derogatory comments regarding their faith.

Upon landing in Houston, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, reportedly at the airline’s request, boarded the plane and detained both men. Liebb recounted that when he asked why he was being detained, an officer tightened his handcuffs and said, “This isn’t county or state. We are Homeland. You have no rights here.”

Upon following the officers, the passengers were escorted through the terminal in front of other travelers, placed in holding cells, and had their belongings searched without adequately explaining the reason for their detention.

United Airlines has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Hilton Beckham, a Customs and Border Protection official, stated, “Due to the ongoing litigation, we are unable to provide any further comment.”

The two men were then booked on a flight to New York City the following day, but due to the unexpected delays and difficulties, they incurred additional costs for accommodations and meals. The complaint highlights the lasting physical pain from tight handcuffs and emotional distress resulting from the incident.

Liebb and Sebbag are seeking damages for alleged emotional distress, financial loss, and unlawful treatment as passengers under the Montreal Convention, which protects international air travelers from abuse.