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White Mom Sues US Airline For ‘Blatant Racism’ After They Accused Her Of Trafficking Biracial Daughter
New Delhi: A white mother in the United States has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, one of the US’s largest airlines, for “blatant racism.” The mother, Mary MacCarthy, claims that an airline employee accused her of trafficking her own biracial daughter. MacCarthy is seeking to change Southwest’s training and policies, stating that the employee assumed her daughter Moira, then 10 years old, couldn’t be hers based on their differing skin tones. The incident occurred while they were on their way to attend a funeral.
In the lawsuit, MacCarthy is seeking an unspecified amount in compensatory damages for emotional distress, mental anguish, and more, along with legal fees. The incident took place in October 2021 while MacCarthy and her daughter were traveling to her brother’s funeral. An employee at the San Jose airport allegedly called the Denver Police Department to “report Ms. MacCarthy for suspected child trafficking” while they were mid-flight from California to Colorado.
MacCarthy’s lawyer stated that the lawsuit aims to hold Southwest Airlines accountable and revisit its training and policies. The lawyer also mentioned that the only basis for the employee’s call was the belief that Moira, who is biracial, couldn’t possibly be MacCarthy’s daughter. After the call, the mother and daughter were questioned by the police upon landing, causing Moira to break down in tears. They were later released, but the ordeal caused Moira extreme emotional distress.
MacCarthy expressed her concern about being judged in public, especially at airports or on planes, and stated that she is constantly on alert about her interactions with her daughter. She requested an apology from Southwest, but claims she never received one. Southwest Airlines responded to the allegations, stating that it does not discuss pending litigation but was “disheartened” to learn of the incident.