In a shocking incident, an Orthodox Jewish passenger, Yisroel Liebb, has filed a federal lawsuit against United Airlines and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security following a distressing experience aboard a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston. The lawsuit alleges that Liebb was forcibly removed from an airplane bathroom while suffering from constipation, leading to an embarrassing exposure of his genitalia in front of fellow passengers.
The incident transpired on January 28, when Liebb was reportedly in the bathroom for approximately 20 minutes. A flight attendant, concerned for his wellbeing, woke fellow Orthodox Jewish traveler Jacob Sebbag from his nap to check on Liebb. Upon being informed of Liebb's condition, he conveyed that the passenger would be out shortly. However, after a further 10 minutes, the United Airlines pilot approached Sebbag and demanded that he check on Liebb again.
According to the lawsuit, the situation escalated when the pilot yelled at Liebb to exit the bathroom immediately. Despite Liebb’s assurances that he was finishing up, the pilot forcibly broke the lock on the bathroom door, pulling Liebb out while his pants were still around his ankles. This shocking act exposed Liebb's genitalia to Sebbag, flight attendants, and other passengers, causing significant humiliation.
Following the incident, Liebb and Sebbag allege that the pilot not only pushed them back to their seats but also made derogatory remarks about their faith, implying that “Jews act” in a certain manner. After landing in Houston, the situation worsened as a group of Customs and Border Protection officers boarded the aircraft and escorted the men off in handcuffs. When Liebb questioned the reason for their detention, an officer reportedly tightened the handcuffs and asserted: “This isn’t county or state. We are Homeland. You have no rights here.”
As a result of this distressing experience, both men missed their connecting flight to New York City. Although United Airlines provided them with complimentary tickets for a flight the following day, they incurred additional expenses for an overnight hotel stay and meals, negating any financial benefit from the tickets.
As of now, United Airlines has declined to comment on the incident. Efforts to reach out to the Department of Homeland Security and the legal representatives for Liebb and Sebbag have also gone unanswered. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, raises serious questions about the treatment of passengers, particularly those from minority backgrounds, during air travel.
This incident sheds light on the ongoing discussions surrounding passenger rights, discrimination, and the treatment of individuals based on their faith and background within the aviation industry. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen what implications it may have for airline policies and the conduct of security personnel in the future.
