In a complaint filed against American Airlines, Pamela Hill-Veal, a retired Black circuit court judge, accuses a flight attendant of racial discrimination during a flight from Chicago to Phoenix in first class. Hill-Veal alleges that the flight attendant confronted her after she used the first-class lavatory, accusing her of slamming the door despite her denial. The attendant reportedly told her to use the restroom in coach, even though she observed other passengers using the same first-class restroom without incident. Hill-Veal believes the treatment was racially motivated.
During the flight, the flight attendant reportedly continued to harass Hill-Veal, culminating in physical touching and threats of arrest upon landing. Hill-Veal claims the attendant falsely accused her of hitting him. The incident has left Hill-Veal traumatized and hesitant to fly.
American Airlines has responded by stating that it is investigating the allegations and takes all claims of discrimination seriously. The company has faced similar accusations in the past, including incidents involving track star Sha’Carri Richardson and musician David Ryan Harris. In those cases, American Airlines also expressed commitment to investigating the claims and creating a welcoming environment for all passengers.
