Jewish family sue American Airlines after they were kicked off flight ‘for body odour’

An Orthodox Jewish family is suing American Airlines for discrimination.

A Michigan family who were removed from an American Airlines flight last year over their body odour are now suing the airline.

Yehuda Yosef Adler and his wife Jennie claim they were victims of religious and racial discrimination on a Detroit-bound flight in Miami on January 23, 2019.

In the civil action filed in Texas, the couple say they suffered from “unbearable humiliation, embarrassment and mental and emotional anguish.”

Court documents claim that soon after the couple and their 19-month daughter took their seats, a crew member told the family that they needed to deplane because they had “extremely offensive body odor”.

According to the lawsuit, the American Airlines employee told the couple he knew that Orthodox Jews take baths only once a week.

After they were booted from the flight, Yehuda and Jennie, who insisted they showered that morning, reportedly walked around the airport asking strangers whether they smelled bad or not.

They said they asked 20 people but not one said they could detect a smell.

As a result of the incident, the lawsuit claims the couple have been defamed.

“Today, a search of ‘body odor’ includes results showing the Adler name,” the lawsuit reads.

American Airlines have denied the incident had anything to do with the couple’s religion.

“The Adler family was asked to deplane after multiple passengers and our crew members complained about Mr. Adler’s body odor,” the company said in a statement to CNN.

“The decision was made out of concern for the comfort of our other passengers. Our team members took care of the family and provided hotel accommodations and meals, and re-booked them on a flight to Detroit the next morning. None of the decisions made by our team in handling this sensitive situation were based on the Adlers’ religion.”