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American Airlines has reached a settlement in a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by three African American men. The lawsuit was related to an incident where the men were deplaned due to alleged body odor. The airline settled for an undisclosed amount and terminated the flight attendants involved, acknowledging wrongdoing.
The lawsuit was filed on May 29th in Brooklyn, New York, after the January 5th incident on a flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the New York City area. Eight passengers, all black, were deplaned following complaints of a foul odor. They were later allowed back on board when it was determined that they were not responsible for the smell.
The plaintiffs sought damages under Civil War-era legislation prohibiting racial discrimination in contracts. On December 19th, American Airlines announced an 'amicable resolution,' agreeing to pay damages without going to trial.
