In a recent incident involving United Airlines, an Orthodox Jewish passenger has filed a federal lawsuit citing an unfortunate experience during a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston. The lawsuit, filed against United Airlines and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, claims that the passenger, Yisroel Liebb from New Jersey, was forcibly removed from the airplane bathroom by the pilot while experiencing constipation, leading to an exposure incident that shocked fellow passengers.
According to the lawsuit, this unsettling event unfolded when Liebb spent approximately 20 minutes in the airplane’s restroom and was checked on by his fellow traveler, Jacob Sebbag, at the request of a flight attendant. Liebb assured Sebbag that he was facing gastrointestinal issues and would soon exit the restroom. However, around a quarter of an hour later, the situation escalated when the pilot directly intervened, demanding that Liebb vacate the bathroom immediately.
The lawsuit alleges that despite Liebb’s assurance that he would soon be finished, the pilot proceeded to forcibly open the bathroom door, dragging Liebb into the aisle with his pants still down, thereby exposing him to other passengers, including Sebbag and flight attendants. What followed, according to the claim, was a barrage of disparaging comments about their Jewish faith from the pilot.
Once the aircraft landed in Houston, Customs and Border Protection officers reportedly boarded and escorted Liebb and Sebbag off the plane in handcuffs. Liebb recalls asking the officers about the reason for their detention, only to receive a curt response about lacking rights in the situation. The lawsuit further describes how the turmoil did not end there; the two men were paraded through the airport, detained in holding cells, and had their luggage searched, which forced them to miss the connecting flight to New York City.
Customs and Border Protection commented on the matter through Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham, confirming officers were responding to a reported disturbance. However, due to the pending litigation, further comment was withheld. United Airlines also chose not to comment on this incident. Attempts to reach the attorney representing Liebb and Sebbag were also fruitless.
Consequently, although United Airlines arranged for their complimentary travel to New York the following day, Liebb and Sebbag incurred additional costs for food and an overnight hotel stay, negating the benefit of the free tickets. The incident and subsequent treatment by airline and security personnel have left Liebb and Sebbag with a deep sense of betrayal by those meant to ensure their safety and dignity during air travel.
