Janice R. Andrews
After receiving criticism for its original reaction to a lawsuit involving Mary Doe, a 9-year-old child who was purportedly recorded by a former employee while using an airline lavatory, American Airlines changed its legal position. The airline then withdrew its initial accusation that the toddler was to blame for using the restroom.
The case, which was filed in Texas, charges Estes Carter Thompson, a former flight attendant for American Airlines, with surreptitiously filming children, including Mary Doe, in aircraft lavatories in 2023. Federal charges of child sexual exploitation and possession of child pornography are being brought against Thompson, 37.
The 9-year-old was involved in an incident that happened on an Austin to Los Angeles trip. At first, American Airlines claimed the teenager was careless for utilizing a restroom equipped with a “visible and illuminated recording device.” The airline’s insurance company hired outside attorneys, and they included this defense in a file.
American Airlines declared on Wednesday that the initial filing was erroneous and did not accurately reflect the company’s position, following a barrage of legal and public criticism. The airline ordered that the statement be changed, saying, “We do not believe this child is at fault and we take the allegations involving a former team member very seriously.”
The kid and her family’s attorney, Paul Llewellyn, called the airline’s earlier position “depraved” and “shocking,” implying that the change in strategy was a response to public outcry. The girl’s mother questioned how the airline could “in good conscience” blame her kid, expressing shock and indignation over the airline’s initial claim.
Federal accusations pertaining to an unrelated incident involving a 14-year-old girl on a flight to Boston led to Thompson’s indictment last month. On Thompson’s iCloud account, more recordings of kids were found by federal investigators. Jane Doe, a 14-year-old girl Thompson also filmed, is the subject of another case that was submitted in North Carolina.
The parents of Jane Doe claim that by delaying American Airlines’ decision to seize Thompson’s phone and alert the pilots, he was able to obliterate evidence, worsening the situation. The family of Jane Doe is requesting compensation for the incident’s severe emotional trauma.
Thompson was charged on Monday and is expected back in Boston’s courts on July 1.
