Why is American Airlines being sued?

American Airlines Faces Discrimination Lawsuit Over Alleged Racial Profiling

American Airlines is being sued by an interracial couple who claim they were wrongfully detained and racially profiled by a passenger and airline staff. The incident occurred on a flight from San Francisco to Dallas on December 23, 2022.

According to the lawsuit, the couple, Tamika and Jared Hargrave, were seated in first class when a white male passenger sitting behind them made a false accusation to a flight attendant, claiming that Jared was trafficking Tamika, who is a black woman.

The flight attendant then notified the pilot, who summoned the police to meet the plane upon its arrival in Dallas. Without any evidence or reasonable suspicion, the police detained the Hargraves and questioned them about their relationship and travel plans.

The Hargraves allege that the police officers treated them with suspicion and hostility, asking invasive questions and accusing them of lying. They were held for over an hour before being released without any charges being filed.

In their lawsuit, the Hargraves claim that American Airlines staff failed to protect them from racial profiling and discrimination. They also allege that the airline did not properly train its employees on how to handle such situations.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the emotional distress, humiliation, and legal expenses incurred by the Hargraves.

American Airlines has denied any wrongdoing and has stated that it will vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit. The airline has also launched an internal investigation into the incident.

The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about racial profiling in the airline industry. Several organizations, including the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union, have called for an independent investigation.

The lawsuit is a reminder that racial discrimination and profiling remain a persistent problem in our society. It is important for businesses and organizations to take steps to prevent and address such incidents.