Share this @internewscast.com

A white mother is suing one of the country’s biggest airlines, claiming it accused her of trafficking her black daughter.

Mary MacCarthy, of Los Angeles, filed suit Thursday against the airline for “blatant racism.” The mother is seeking to change Southwest’s training and policies, after she accused the airline employee had assumed her daughter Moira, then 10, couldn’t be hers based on their differing skintones.

She is also seeking unspecified compensatory damages, for emotional distress. mental anguish and more, along with legal fees.

In Oct. 2021, the suit claims, MacCarthy was traveling to her brother’s funeral with her daughter Moira, then 10, via the San Jose airport, when a Southwest airline employee made the wrong assumption about the pair.

While they were in the air from California to Colorado, a Southwest employee called the Denver Police Department to “report Ms. MacCarthy for suspected child trafficking,” said the lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Colorado.

“There was no basis to believe that Ms. MacCarthy was trafficking her daughter,” the lawsuit states. “The only basis for the Southwest employee’s call was the belief that Ms. MacCarthy’s daughter could not possibly be her daughter because she is a biracial child.”

As the pair walked down the jet bridge after the plane landed, were whisked off for questioning by police, the court papers said. During the questioning, Moira began to “break down in tears.”

The mother-daughter duo was eventually let go, but MacCarthy claims the airline displayed “blatant racism,” which caused her daughter “extreme emotional distress.”

Mary MacCarthy and Moira together.
In Oct. 2021, Mary MacCarthy was traveling to her brother’s funeral with her daughter Moira, then 10, at a San Jose airport when a Southwest airline employee made a wrong assumption that the mother was trafficking her child.
Mary MacCarthy

“The Southwest employee on the plane reported Plaintiff MacCarthy to the police without any conversation or contact with either Plaintiff which would have raised suspicions in the mind of a reasonable person.”

“To this day, when Moira and I are out in public — and especially at airports or on planes — I’m hyperaware that we might be judged and reported for any interaction we have with each other,” MacCarthy told Newsweek.

“It’s a strange feeling to be on alert about your most basic behaviors with your child, and it’s exhausting. As for Moira, she still clams up and doesn’t want to talk about what happened.”

A Southwest plane.
The suit asks for Southwest to review its training and polices to avoid discriminating against interracial families.
AP

MacCarthy’s lawyer, David Lane, said the purpose of the lawsuit is for Southwest to be held accountable and reexamine its training and policies.

“In using racial profiling to cause the Denver police to stop innocent travelers, Southwest Airlines has attempted to address serious the criminal activity of sex-trafficking through use of a stereotypical, easy formula,” he told Newsweek.

Southwest told Newsweek it does not discuss pending litigation.

In November 2021, the airline said it would conduct an internal investigation.

“We were disheartened to learn of this mother’s account when traveling with her daughter,” the airline said at the time.

MacCarthy at first asked just for an apology from Southwest, but she said she never received one. The mother said the interaction made her feel “attacked.”

“Customers should know the true nature of the company they’re doing business with.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Baby humpback whale meets tragic end off New Jersey coast in suspected propeller strike

Tragic Loss: Young Humpback Whale Falls Victim to Suspected Propeller Accident off New Jersey Coast

A young humpback whale, found stranded near Long Beach Island, New Jersey,…
Australian prime minister's plane makes emergency landing in St. Louis after leaving Washington

Australian Prime Minister’s Plane Makes Safe Emergency Landing in St. Louis Following Departure from Washington

On Tuesday night, a flight carrying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had…
Chicago teacher accused of mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination portrayed as victim by school principal

Chicago Educator Allegedly Mocks Charlie Kirk Assassination, School Principal Defends Her Actions

The principal of a Chicago elementary school appeared to frame a controversial…
How inflatable costumes ballooned at anti-Trump rallies due to a Portland protester's frog outfit

Inflatable Costumes Take Center Stage at Anti-Trump Rallies, Inspired by Portland Protester’s Frog Attire

In Portland, Oregon, a unique form of protest unfolded when Seth Todd…
ABC's 'World News Tonight' anchor David Muir honored by Temple University

ABC’s David Muir Receives Prestigious Honor from Temple University for Excellence in Journalism

PHILADELPHIA — Temple University recently hosted a celebration honoring outstanding achievements in…
Wyoming Capitol bomb investigators focus on men seen in security video

Investigators Zero In on Individuals Captured in Security Footage in Wyoming Capitol Bomb Probe

Investigators in Wyoming are on the hunt for two individuals suspected of…
Kim Iversen Highlights Assault Allegations in Giuffre’s Memoir

Kim Iversen Sheds Light on Explosive Assault Allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s Revealing Memoir

During a recent episode of The Kim Iversen Show, independent journalist Kim Iversen…
Immigrant rights group calls for removing pregnant women from detention

Advocacy Group Urges Release of Expectant Mothers from Detention Facilities

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Pregnant women detained by U.S. immigration authorities…
Virginia GOP candidate holds debate with AI bot of opponent

Virginia GOP Candidate Engages in Historic Debate Against AI-Generated Opponent in Political First

An unexpected twist emerged in the Virginia lieutenant governor’s race on Tuesday…
Alabama death row inmate insists innocence, urges governor to meet him before nitrogen-gas execution

Alabama Inmate’s Plea for Justice: A Last-Minute Appeal to Halt Nitrogen-Gas Execution

An Alabama death row inmate, who claims his innocence, has reached out…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
Fernandina Beach family pushes for intersection safety after multiple crashes

Fernandina Beach Residents Demand Urgent Intersection Safety Measures Following Frequent Accidents

A family in Fernandina Beach is calling for crucial safety enhancements at…