Lawsuit Claims Racial Profiling on American Airlines

Anthony Williams, a retired Black police officer, is suing American Airlines for racial profiling after being falsely accused of trafficking his white wife, Katsiaryna Shasholka, during their honeymoon flight from Phoenix to Miami in September 2022. The lawsuit alleges that a fellow passenger reported the couple to the crew without any basis for suspicion, leading to the crew calling law enforcement upon landing. Williams and Shasholka claim they were humiliated and falsely imprisoned as they were detained and questioned by police, causing significant emotional distress. Civil rights attorney Jasmine Rand represents the couple, arguing that American Airlines failed to investigate the claims and acted on assumptions based on race. The couple is seeking damages exceeding $75,000 due to the distress and embarrassment caused by the incident. This case highlights ongoing concerns about racial discrimination within the airline industry, with American Airlines facing similar allegations in the past.