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Ohio woman sues United Airlines over alleged inflight sexual assault

Ohio woman sues United Airlines over alleged inflight sexual assault
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United Airlines | Wikipedia

United Airlines is facing a lawsuit from Aundrea White, an Ohio businesswoman, who claims she was sexually assaulted twice during a flight from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to San Diego International Airport in January 2024. White alleges that the airline did not take sufficient action to protect her.

The incident began shortly after boarding when a male passenger allegedly grabbed White between her legs. After reporting the assault to a flight attendant, she was told she was "out of touch with reality" and that passengers were likely to bump into each other on a full plane. Despite this dismissal, when the man assaulted her again, leaving a bruise, White's calls for help resulted in the offender being escorted off the aircraft and arrested.

United Airlines responded by stating, "We have zero tolerance for this type of behavior. After Ms. White alerted our crew to the alleged incident, a United employee promptly directed the accused passenger to deplane the aircraft while it was still parked at the gate prior to departure. Our crew also requested the assistance of local law enforcement, who then arrested the passenger."

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The assailant initially faced charges of criminal sexual abuse but later pleaded guilty to battery. The incident has left White with intensified PTSD symptoms and flashbacks, preventing her from flying since.

White expressed greater anger towards United Airlines than her assailant for what she perceives as their failure to act appropriately. Her attorney, Craig Tobin, argues that "the situation was avoidable and preventable," accusing United of indifference.

The FBI notes that sexual assaults on planes often occur due to limited personal space and are considered federal crimes. In 2024 alone, they investigated 104 such incidents on flights landing or destined for the US.

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