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
Porta-potty peep scheme busted as man faces nearly 100 charges for filming students: police

Man Arrested for Allegedly Filming Students in Porta-Potties, Faces Extensive List of Charges

An Iowa resident is facing close to 100 charges after authorities discovered…
Sonya Massey trial: Opening statements begin in trial of former Illinois Deputy Dean Grayson, accused of murder

High-Profile Illinois Trial Begins: Former Deputy Dean Grayson Faces Murder Charges

In Peoria, Illinois, the trial of Sean Grayson commenced on Wednesday with…
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…
Cheerleader dies after being shot at high school bonfire, remembered for having 'spunk to her step'

Tragic Loss: Beloved Cheerleader Fatally Shot at High School Bonfire, Celebrated for Her Spirited Legacy

Tragedy struck a high school gathering in Pinson, Alabama, when a young…
Celebrities from Prince Harry to Steve Bannon call for ban on AI 'superintelligence.' What is it?

Why Celebrities Like Prince Harry and Steve Bannon Are Demanding a Ban on AI Superintelligence

(NEXSTAR) – An open letter urging the cessation of progress in “superintelligence”…
The 22-day government shutdown is now the second-longest in US history

Historic Standoff: Unpacking the 22-Day Government Shutdown and Its Impact

The longest government shutdown on record spanned 35 days during the first…
Former mayor stabbed outside blue state business, suspect with multiple arrests charged

Ex-Mayor Stabbed Outside Business in Blue State: Repeat Offender Charged in High-Profile Incident

A former Massachusetts mayor sustained injuries from a stabbing incident outside his…
Kyoto hikes tourist tax by 900% amid overtourism surge

Kyoto Implements 900% Increase in Tourist Tax in Response to Overtourism Surge

Kyoto is set to significantly increase its accommodation fees starting March 2026,…
Los Angeles teacher says ICE agents are 'not the only ones with guns' following shooting of federal agent

Los Angeles Teacher Sparks Controversy with Bold Statement on Guns After ICE Agent Shooting

A Los Angeles high school history teacher, who is a prominent voice…
NFL's Roger Goodell's Weakness on Full Display With Response About Choosing Bad Bunny for Super Bowl

Roger Goodell Faces Criticism Over Bad Bunny Super Bowl Choice

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s tenure appears overdue for an end, especially after…
Broadway musicians reach tentative labor deal, averting a strike

Broadway Musicians Secure Tentative Labor Agreement, Preventing Potential Strike

NEW YORK (AP) — In a significant move to keep the show…
Riverside Church responds to Pride flag vandalism with even more flags

Riverside Church Amplifies Support with Increased Pride Flags Following Vandalism Incident

On October 20, a distressing incident occurred at Riverside Church located at…