NEW YORK (AP) — An uproar has unfolded after an Orthodox Jewish passenger, Yisroel Liebb, filed a lawsuit against United Airlines and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, claiming he was forcibly removed from the airplane bathroom while experiencing constipation, resulting in his humiliation and exposure to fellow passengers.
The incident took place on January 28, 2025, during a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston, Texas. Liebb alleges in his federal lawsuit that the pilot broke the bathroom lock and dragged him out with his pants around his ankles, thereby exposing his genitalia to his friend Jacob Sebbag, several flight attendants, and passengers. The lawsuit, which was filed in Manhattan federal court, details the distressing events he faced and accuses the pilot of making disparaging remarks about their Jewish heritage.
According to the lawsuit, Liebb was using the bathroom for approximately 20 minutes when a flight attendant asked Sebbag to check on him. After an initial inquiry, the situation escalated when the pilot demanded to know why Liebb had not exited. Despite Liebb assuring Sebbag that he would be out shortly, the pilot insisted on further action, leading him to break into the bathroom.
"He began yelling loudly at Liebb, demanding he leave the bathroom immediately," the lawsuit states. When Liebb reiterated that he was almost finished, the pilot violently forced the door open, pulling him out against his will. This publicly humiliating act deeply distressed Liebb who felt "sexually violated and embarrassed after having been publicly exposed in the nude," as stated in legal documents.
After the flight landed in Houston, a group of approximately six Customs and Border Protection officers boarded the flight and escorted both men off the plane. Upon questioning their detention, an officer responded sharply, tightening Liebb's handcuffs and asserting, "This isn’t county or state. We are Homeland. You have no rights here." This particular interaction left the men feeling dehumanized and further exacerbated their sense of victimization in the incident.
In addition to the traumatic experience aboard the plane, both men missed their connecting flight to New York City as a direct result of the incident. The lawsuit describes how they were led through the airport in handcuffs, placed in holding cells, and subjected to intrusive searches of their luggage without any charges being filed against them. Although United Airlines rebooked them on a flight to New York the following day, Liebb and Sebbag faced significant additional costs, including the need for an overnight hotel stay and food during their unexpected delay.
Throughout the ordeal, both men say they were subjected to humiliating treatment, especially by the pilot's inappropriate comments about their Jewish identity. Following the incident, Yisroel Liebb and Jacob Sebbag have emphasized their demand for justice through this lawsuit, seeking damages for the severe emotional distress and violation of their rights they endured during what should have been a simple flight home.
As the case unfolds, the actions of the involved parties are being closely scrutinized. United Airlines has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation, while messages have been sent to the Department of Homeland Security for a response. More broadly, this incident raises questions about passengers' rights and how individuals are treated when they are vulnerable. The damaging rhetoric and actions. Especially during such moments, reflect larger societal issues around anti-Semitism and discrimination that still plague travelers today.
CBP Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs Hilton Beckham confirmed that officers responded to reports of a disturbance on the flight at the request of the airline. He stated that due to ongoing litigation, further comments were not possible. The entire situation raises significant concerns about the treatment of Jewish travelers, especially amid a growing climate of anti-Semitism in many spheres of American life.
Yisroel Liebb's claims reflect the need for more awareness and sensitivity regarding cultural distinctions and individual rights. Many in the community hope this case sheds light on the seriousness of these issues while advocating for essential changes within airline protocols and treatment of passengers.
As this legal battle continues, the outcome remains to be seen, but for Liebb and Segbag, it represents not just a personal fight for justice but a broader commentary on the right to dignity and respect that all passengers should expect in their travels.
