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A California woman recently filed a federal lawsuit against American Airlines, alleging she was sexually assaulted by a fellow passenger who had a known history of in-flight assaults.
Barbara Morgan claims the incident happened April 24, 2024, while she was assigned to a middle seat during an overnight flight from San Francisco to Dallas.
During the flight, Morgan said, a Texas man seated next to her, Cherian Abraham, 54, tried touching her multiple times, attempting to put his hand between her legs and ignoring her yells to stop, according to a report from affiliate FOX 32 Chicago.
She accused the flight crew of not intervening and later claimed airline executives tried to blame her for not reporting the issue during the flight, according to the report.
Morgan told the outlet she is sharing her story because she wants corporations to “do better.”Â
“It is hard to describe how traumatizing it is to have a stranger touch you like that on a crowded plane, in a confined space, with nowhere to go,” Morgan said. “I felt exposed and yet completely invisible. I felt paralyzed. When the flight landed, and I reported what happened, I hoped American Airlines would step in and, at the very least, tell me they would do better to protect other women. Instead, I was met with cold responses and blame, as if I had done something wrong.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, American Airlines said it is involved in the investigation.Â
“The safety of our customers and team members is our highest priority,” an American Airlines spokesperson wrote. “We take this matter very seriously and are working closely with law enforcement on its investigation.”
A source familiar with the situation told Fox News Digital Abraham has been barred from flying with American Airlines.
Abraham was released on bond. Abusive sexual contact is punishable by up to two years in prison.