United airline passenger alleges forceful ejection from plane restroom, files lawsuit against pilot
In a lawsuit that's got everybody talking, Orthodox Jewish traveler Yisroel Liebb of New Jersey is taking on United Airlines and the U.S Department of Homeland Security. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court this week, stems from an alleged unfriendly-skies encounter on a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston.
According to the lawsuit, Liebb found himself in the back of the plane for about 20 minutes, dealing with some pretty, um, awkward bodily functions. A fellow Orthodox Jewish traveler, Jacob Sebbag, was woken up by a flight attendant, asked to check on Liebb, and everything seemed fine.
But then, trouble started. The pilot, apparently not content with the situation, barged into the bathroom, broke the lock, and yanked Liebb out, leaving him with his pants around his ankles and exposed to Sebbag, flight attendants, and other passengers. To top it off, the pilot allegedly made disparaging remarks about their faith and threatened to have them arrested.
The flight landed in Houston, and things didn't get better. About six Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers jumped on board, handcuffed Liebb and Sebbag, and led them through the terminal like common criminals. They were placed in holding cells, had their luggage searched, and were subjected to further humiliation.
But hey, air travel is all about theconnections, right? Unfortunately for Liebb and Sebbag, this connection was a missed one. They were booked on a free flight to New York City the next day, but their savings were gone due to the unexpected overnight hotel stay and food expenses in Houston.
United Airlines, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and a lawyer representing Liebb and Sebbag have all declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation. The lawsuit seeks damages for humiliation, emotional distress, and financial losses, alleging breaches of the Montreal Convention and discriminatory practices.
This case sheds light on some disturbing allegations of religious discrimination and unacceptable treatment by airline and federal personnel. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for the physical harm, emotional trauma, and economic losses they suffered as a result of the incident.
[1] - https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/jewish-traveler-sues-united-airlines-homeland-security-claiming-forced-removal-airplane-bathroom-article-1.40635467[2] - https://www.courthousenews.com/united-airlines-sued-for-forcibly-removing-orthodox-jewish-man-from-airplane-bathroom/[3] - https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/orthodox-jew-sues-united-airlines-alleging-forcible-removal-from-bathroom-665892
- United Airlines, along with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, are being sued by Orthodox Jewish traveler Yisroel Liebb of New Jersey, claiming they subjected him to an unfriendly encounter on a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston, including a forced removal from the airplane bathroom, ridicule, and detainment.
- The lawsuit alleges that Liebb was humiliated as the pilot forcibly extracted him from the bathroom, leaving him exposed in front of fellow passengers, and later, CBP officers handcuffed him and led him through the terminal like a common criminal.
- The lawsuit further claims that the airline and federal personnel displayed an unfriendly, hostile, and unacceptable attitude towards Liebb, causing emotional distress, financial losses, and physical harm.
