Delta Flight Attendant Suspended Over Slap Allegation During Atlanta-Fresno Flight

Mohammad Shibli, traveling with his wife and two young sons on a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Fresno, alleges that a flight attendant slapped him after refusing to serve his family water and using disrespectful and aggressive behavior. The incident reportedly escalated after Shibli's wife, who was wearing a shirt with the word 'Palestine,' was denied water, prompting Shibli to request it himself, only to be insulted and threatened with police involvement by the attendant. Shibli said the flight attendant whispered a vulgar word to him, which led to a verbal exchange and the subsequent slap, witnessed by other passengers. The family is suing Delta for $20 million, demanding compensation equivalent to one day's profit of the airline, along with education and sensitivity training related to Palestine for Delta employees. Delta has suspended the flight attendant and launched an internal investigation, emphasizing the safety and security of customers and employees. The case highlights allegations of discrimination alongside the physical assault, with Shibli and his legal team presenting their claims at a news conference in late August.