American Airlines Fails in Attempt to Stop Flight Attendant's Sexual Assault Claim

Rhea-AI Summary

An American Airlines flight attendant, Kimberly Goesling, is set to present her sexual assault case against the airline in court due to a crucial ruling by Tarrant County Judge Kimberly Fitzpatrick. The case, scheduled for trial on January 24, follows an incident involving a celebrity chef hired by the airline who allegedly assaulted Goesling during a work trip in Germany. The lawsuit includes claims of sexual assault, retaliation, and conspiracy, asserting that the airline ignored her report and later retaliated by removing her from her recruitment position.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Lawsuit claims of sexual assault and retaliation by the airline.
• Allegations of employing a chef with a history of alcohol abuse and inappropriate conduct.
• Removal of the plaintiff from her position after reporting the incident.

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- An American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) flight attendant who says she was sexually assaulted by a celebrity chef hired by the airline will get the chance to tell her story to a jury, following a key ruling by a Tarrant County district court judge.

The ruling, by Judge Kimberly Fitzpatrick, rejects all portions of a motion for summary judgment filed by American that sought to avoid allowing a jury to hear the case. The case is set for trial in her 342^nd Judicial District Court January 24.

"Our belief has always been that when a jury in Fort Worth hears this case and they hear what happened to my client – and how American ignored her and then retaliated against her – they will be appalled," says attorney Robert Miller of Miller Bryant LLP in Dallas, who represents the plaintiff. "All we have ever wanted is a chance to tell our story to a jury and now we have that chance."

The plaintiff in the case, Kimberly Goesling of Fort Worth, first publicly told the story of what happened to her – and American's role in it – in a 2021 Facebook and Instagram video that has reached more than 25,000 people. Click here to watch or go to metooaa.com to learn more.

Ms. Goesling, a nearly 30-year flight attendant for the airline, has a work record that puts her among the company's best. She was a flight crew leader and worked on the airline's recruitment and training teams. More than once, she received glowing reviews for work performance, often resulting in special assignments.

In January 2018, one such trip took her to Germany, where along with other American Airlines employees, she helped develop a special international menu for first- and business-class passengers.

Also on the trip was a celebrity chef whom American hired without a background check and continued to employ even after it learned of prior allegations against him for alcohol abuse and inappropriate sexual conduct, according to the lawsuit. On the final night of the group's stay, the chef forced his way into Ms. Goesling's hotel room and sexually assaulted her. American's own investigation later showed he admitted to the attack.

When she reported the attack to the company, managers promised to pay Ms. Goesling for treatment and allow her time away from work shifts, as needed. They did neither, instead removing her from her coveted position on the airline's recruitment team.

Her lawsuit includes claims of sexual assault, conspiracy and retaliation. The case is Kimberly Goesling v. American Airlines et al., Cause No. 342-314565-20 in the 342nd Judicial District Court in Tarrant County.

Dallas-based Miller Bryant LLP represents companies and individual clients from the U.S., Canada and the Far East. We focus on Texas business law and civil dispute resolution. More information at https://www.miller-bryant.com/.

Contact:
Mark Annick
800-559-4534
mark@androvett.com

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SOURCE Miller Bryant LLP

FAQ

What are the details of the lawsuit against American Airlines involving flight attendant Kimberly Goesling?

The lawsuit involves allegations of sexual assault and retaliation against Kimberly Goesling by a celebrity chef hired by American Airlines. It is set for trial on January 24.

When is the trial date for Kimberly Goesling's case against American Airlines?

The trial is scheduled for January 24 in Tarrant County.

What allegations are made against the celebrity chef involved in the American Airlines lawsuit?

The chief allegation is that he sexually assaulted Kimberly Goesling while on a work trip, despite the airline being aware of his prior allegations of misconduct.

What was the response of American Airlines following the incident reported by Kimberly Goesling?

American Airlines reportedly promised assistance for treatment but did not follow through, instead removing Goesling from her recruitment team role.