Black Men Sue American Airlines After Being Removed From Flight Over Body Odor Complaint

After waiting for an hour, during which American Airlines failed to find alternative flights for the men, they were allowed back on the plane. They had to endure the stares of the predominantly white passengers, who viewed them as the cause of the delay, according to the complaint.

The body odor complaint was made by a white male flight attendant, the lawsuit stated. One plaintiff requested to be seated away from this attendant. Consequently, an Asian woman was moved to first class, and the plaintiff took her seat in coach.

The other two plaintiffs were served by the same flight attendant, who allegedly continued to act rudely and discriminatorily throughout the flight. After the flight landed in New York, American Airlines promised one plaintiff he could speak with a representative, but no employees were available upon disembarking. The plaintiffs, represented by New York attorney Lindsay Goldbrum, are seeking a jury trial. American Airlines did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment and has yet to file a response to the lawsuit. The company told NPR it takes discrimination claims very seriously and is investigating the matter, as the claims do not align with its core values.