American Airlines Sued for Racial Profiling of Black Passenger Traveling with White Wife

A retired Black police officer alleges the airline falsely reported him for trafficking his wife during their 2022 honeymoon flight, leading to police detention and public humiliation.

• Anthony Williams, a retired Black police officer, and his white wife, Katsiaryna Shasholka, were traveling to Miami for their honeymoon in September 2022 when a fellow passenger accused him of trafficking her.
• American Airlines employees reported the claim to police without questioning the couple, leading to their detention and public embarrassment upon landing in Miami.
• The couple has filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida seeking over $75,000 in damages, citing racial discrimination and emotional distress caused by the incident.
• Civil rights attorney Jasmine Rand, representing the couple, highlighted the airline's alleged pattern of racial profiling, referencing a similar 2023 incident involving a Black musician and his biracial children.
• American Airlines stated it is reviewing the allegations but has faced criticism for failing to address racial bias within its employee training and policies.

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