Actress Sues WestJet After Flight Incident

A Story of Defamation and Emotional Distress

An Asian American actress, known for her role in the show Rugrats, has taken legal action against WestJet following a distressing incident on a flight. Charlet Takahashi Chung, who also voiced D.Va in the video game Overwatch, is suing the airline for defamation and emotional distress after an encounter that left her feeling violated.

During a flight from a fan convention to her daughter’s 4th birthday party, Chung found herself seated behind a passenger who continuously kicked her seat for 20 minutes. Initially, she assumed it was a child, but when she looked through the cracks between seats, what she saw and heard shocked her.

“I was startled because his face was super close to mine,” Chung explained. “I thought it was going to be a child. When an old gentleman peered over and cursed at me, I was in shock. He sees me and leans over and says, ‘F*!k off! Chill out.’”

Chung asked the man to confirm if he had said those words, and he responded with a quiet “Did you just tell me to f*!k off?” The flight attendant nearby noticed Chung’s distress and asked if anything was wrong. Chung relayed the incident, but the man denied using the “F” word, only confirming that he told her to “chill out.”

The flight attendant then suggested that Chung change seats, but she declined, feeling that being forced to move would be a punishment for something she hadn’t caused. However, the situation escalated when the flight attendant called the pilot, suggesting that Chung might need to be offboarded.

“The minute I heard the word ‘off-board,’ I got up, shot out of my seat, and went to 1F immediately,” Chung recalled. “I just needed to get back home because my daughter has a birthday party that I am throwing.”

Despite the ordeal, Chung shared parts of the confrontation on Instagram, sparking discussions about her experience. The incident did not end there. She claimed that a flight attendant blocked her path to the restroom even though the “fasten seatbelt sign” was off. Another crew member reportedly spilled water on her hand and the chair next to her.

At one point, Chung was handed a slip of paper warning her of possible arrest. This added to the emotional toll she experienced during the flight.

WestJet responded to the incident in a news release from January of this year, stating that they acknowledged Chung’s negative experience but maintained that her allegations of harassment and discrimination were unfounded. They emphasized their commitment to a respectful and inclusive environment for all guests and employees.

Chung clarified that she did not seek financial compensation but rather an apology. She mentioned that the man who kicked her seat had already sent a letter of apology for his behavior and the response from the flight attendants.

However, the airline’s news release has impacted her income and job opportunities. Chung expressed gratitude for the support from the Asian American community and the organization Stand with Asian Americans.

She stated that she has no personal gain from the lawsuit and denied reports that she is seeking $75,000 in damages. Chung emphasized that her goal was to push for sensitivity training across the company, not just for those involved in the incident.

In addition to the legal action, Chung is also advocating for better treatment and understanding in the airline industry. Her story highlights the importance of empathy and respect in public spaces, especially for parents and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

As the conversation around her experience continues, Chung remains focused on her family and career while hoping for meaningful change within the airline industry. Her journey serves as a reminder of the impact of small actions and the power of speaking out against injustice.