Boston, Massachusetts – American Airlines is facing backlash after a 9-year-old girl’s family accused the company of suggesting she should’ve known she was being videotaped by a flight attendant in a plane bathroom. The shocking claim was made in legal papers filed as part of an ongoing lawsuit against the company, revealing disturbing details of the incident.
Estes Carter Thompson III, a 37-year-old former American Airlines flight attendant, was arrested for secretly filming multiple girls aged between 7 and 14 in airplane bathrooms over several months. Federal prosecutors brought charges against him, highlighting the severity of the crimes committed on board flights.
In response to the lawsuit, American Airlines argued that the young girl should have been aware of being recorded while using the lavatory. The airline’s legal team suggested that any injuries or illnesses suffered by the girl were a result of her own negligence, shifting the blame to the child for the disturbing incident that occurred on one of their flights.
The family’s lawyer expressed shock and outrage at the airline’s attempts to blame the young girl for the incident. The legal maneuver has raised questions about the airline’s commitment to passenger safety and accountability for the actions of its employees, especially in cases involving minors.
Following Thompson’s arrest, American Airlines issued a statement emphasizing the seriousness with which they take such allegations. The revelation of the disturbing incidents has sparked a broader conversation about airline safety protocols and the responsibility of companies to protect passengers from harm.
The lawsuit, filed by the girl’s family from Texas, exposed the unsettling reality of privacy violations on commercial flights. Thompson’s criminal activities, which occurred while he was employed by American Airlines, highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
As the legal proceedings continue, questions remain about the airline’s response to the egregious actions of its former employee and the implications for passenger safety. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in ensuring the well-being of all individuals who travel by air.