US Airlines Blames 9 YO For Being Filmed In Airplane Bathroom, Sparks Outrage

American Airlines is currently under intense scrutiny after its controversial response to a lawsuit alleging that a 9-year-old girl was secretly filmed while using the lavatory on one of its flights. The airline's legal team's suggestion that the young survivor "should have known" about the hidden recording device has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from the public and legal experts alike.

The Incident 

The case centres on allegations against former American Airlines flight attendant, Estes Carter Thompson III, who is accused of covertly recording young girls, aged 7 to 14, in airplane bathrooms for several months in 2023. The scandal came to light when videos were discovered on Thompson’s iCloud account, leading to his indictment last year. Following these revelations, the family of the 9-year-old survivor referred to as Mary Doe in court documents, filed a civil lawsuit against both Thompson and American Airlines.

In a move that has shocked many, American Airlines' legal team argued that the young survivor should have been more aware of her surroundings. The defense stated, “Any injuries or illnesses alleged to have been sustained by Plaintiff, Mary Doe, were proximately caused by Plaintiff’s own fault and negligence.” Furthermore, the defense claimed that the incidents were “proximately caused by Plaintiff’s use of the compromised lavatory, which she knew or should have known contained a visible and illuminated recording device.”

Public and Legal Reactions

The airline’s response has been met with widespread criticism. Paul Llewellyn, the attorney representing the survivor’s family, expressed his disbelief at the airline’s defense strategy. “What on Earth is American Airlines thinking by adopting such a strategy?” The idea that American Airlines and its lawyers would blame a 9-year-old girl for being filmed is both desperate and depraved,” Llewellyn stated.

The family of another survivor, a 14-year-old girl who was also allegedly filmed by Thompson, echoed this sentiment. They described the airline's legal defense as "callous" and extended their sympathy to Mary Doe's family, stating, "This callous legal position shocks us. Our hearts go out to the Texas family."

Details of Thompson’s Alleged Crimes

Thompson’s actions reportedly spanned from January to August 2023. His misconduct was first discovered when he attempted to film a 14-year-old girl in the lavatory on a Boston-bound flight. An investigation revealed multiple videos of young girls, aged 7, 9, and 11, stored on his iCloud account, indicating a disturbing pattern of behaviour.

Impact on American Airlines

The scandal has significantly damaged American Airlines' reputation. The public outrage over the airline’s attempt to shift blame onto a young child has highlighted serious concerns about its corporate ethics and responsibility. The company faces increasing pressure to address these allegations appropriately and to take full accountability for the actions of its former employee.