Woman Sues American Airlines Over Sexual Assault

Barbara Morgan, a Bay Area woman, filed a federal lawsuit against American Airlines after allegedly being sexually assaulted by Cherian Abraham during a 2024 red-eye flight from San Francisco to Dallas. Morgan alleges she was separated from her husband unless she paid extra, and that the airline failed to address prior reports of Abraham's sexual misconduct. She claims she was too fearful to report the assault until after landing and was subsequently met with victim-blaming and inadequate response from staff. The lawsuit accuses American Airlines of fostering a culture that enables such assaults and of prioritizing profits over passenger safety. Abraham has been arrested and faces multiple accusations of sexual abuse on flights. American Airlines has not publicly responded to the latest allegations but previously stated it is cooperating with law enforcement and has banned Abraham from future flights.