Jury Clears American In Alleged Assault Of Flight Attendant

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Jurors in a civil lawsuit determined Wednesday that American Airlines didn’t bear accountability for an alleged sexual assault in opposition to a flight attendant by a celeb chef who was employed by the airline as an unbiased contractor.

The jury in state courtroom in Fort Value deliberated for elements of three days earlier than concluding {that a} sexual assault occurred throughout an organization journey to Germany in 2018, however that American was not concerned.

The chef, Mark Sargeant, has by no means been charged with against the law. He reached a confidential settlement with the flight attendant, Kimberly Goesling, based on Robert Miller, one among her legal professionals.

The Related Press doesn’t sometimes title victims of sexual assault however is doing so on this case as a result of Goesling has spoken brazenly to the information media about her case and problems with sexual harassment at American.

Goesling, who later retired after 30 years with Fort Value, Texas-based American, sought $25.6 million in damages from the airline through the trial, which lasted greater than two weeks.

American Airways spokeswoman Lindsey Martin stated, “The jury’s choice confirms that American doesn’t tolerate inappropriate sexual conduct of any form.”

Miller stated he’ll attraction the decision. He stated the decide excluded proof about undesirable advances by Sargeant towards different feminine American Airways staff earlier than the alleged assault in opposition to Goesling.

Sargeant didn’t seem on the trial, though jurors noticed a video deposition. Final 12 months he advised a information group in the UK that whereas intoxicated he went to Goesling’s lodge room within the mistaken perception that she was all for him, however he denied sexually assaulting her.