American Airlines Claims No Responsibility in Travel Influencers Lawsuit Alleging ‘Emotional Devastation’ Caused by Drunk Co-Passenger
(Photo: Jan Rosolino/Unsplash)
According to court documents filed on Wednesday, American Airlines responded to a lawsuit by arguing the plaintiff “assumed all the risks” and exposed herself to “perils and dangers.” This comes after a travel influencer, Angelica Jensen claimed a flight caused her emotional distress due to the flight crew’s lack of response in controlling a drunk passenger. The case was filed with Torrance Superior Court in Los Angeles with Judge Gary Y. Tanaka presiding.
“That the perils or dangers, if any, existing at the time of plaintiff’s alleged injuries, if any, were open and obvious and known to plaintiff who nevertheless conducted herself in such a manner so as to expose herself to said perils and dangers, if any, and by so doing, assumed all the risks,” American Airlines’ attorneys argued.
The attorneys further stated that punitive damages are unavailable for the plaintiff, Angelica Jensen.
Jensen is a 24-year-old influencer who is active on Instagram and Tiktok. She is most known for her travel content which is funded by partnerships with hotels and restaurants worldwide in exchange for social media exposure. Since the incident on board the American Airlines flight that involved a drunk passenger, Jensen claimed she no longer feels safe traveling on commercial airlines which has stunted her travel influencer career.
View this post on Instagram
The alleged incident occurred in January during a flight from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. The suit filed on July 6 detailed that the flight was delayed about two hours due to maintenance issues. Jensen and her female friend were seated in the first-class cabin and another passenger was seated behind them, identified as Jane Doe.
“Plaintiff and friend almost immediately noticed that Jane Doe was exhibiting obvious behaviors indicative of being under the influence of alcohol and/or other substances,” stated court documents obtained by Daily Breeze.
American Airlines flight crew allegedly continued to serve Jane Doe alcohol during the two-hour delay, even though she was obviously drunk, according to Jensen.
While waiting for the plane to take off, Joe Doe initiated a conversation with Jensen and her friend. The situation escalated as Jane Doe began making inappropriate comments including mentioning her “wealthy Jewish husband.”
According to the lawsuit, a flight attendant noticed Jane Doe stroking Jensen’s friend’s hair and one of her arms. The American Airlines employee took no action, rather they were heard saying “Oh, hell no,” and walked away. Then, as the plane was preparing to take off Jane Doe began dancing in the aisle.
As the flight departed, Jane Doe sat in Jenson’s lap and groped her.
The flight crew allegedly did not respond to Jensen’s pleas for assistance. However, one flight attendant told Jensen that she regretted not removing Jane Doe from the flight and advised Jensen to file a police report once they reached Las Vegas.
“Upon arrival in Las Vegas, plaintiff’s state of shock transitioned to a state of emotional devastation,” stated court documents obtained by Fox 11. The incident was reported to Las Vegas police and the FBI.
In the aftermath of the American Airlines flight, Jensen has attended regular counseling sessions in an attempt to cope with panic attacks and mental trauma resulting from the incident. She also “no longer feels safe traveling on commercial airlines,” even to visit he father. Jensen and her boyfriend have also experienced “significant reductions in their ability to maintain a healthy romantic connection.”
Airlines have the ability to refuse to transport passengers who are intoxicated. However, it appears there are numerous incidents involving flight crew either reportedly not noticing signs of drunk passengers or showing leniency for already intoxicated passengers with dreadful consequences.
According to Jensen’s account of the events, it appears the crew showed an unwillingness to get involved despite Jane Doe’s reported increasingly inappropriate, drunken behavior.
Read Next:
Sugar Factory Restaurant Reportedly Served Children Shots of Coconut Rum at Kid’s Birthday Party
Follow The Daily Pour:
