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United Airlines Passenger Changes Shirt After Crew Objects to Message
Sam Saadeh wore a t-shirt reading "Bombing kids is not self defense" on a June 4 United Airlines flight from Atlanta to Newark. A supervisor directed him to change or be denied boarding. He complied and later filed a complaint with the Department of Transportation.
Jul 13, 8:00 AM·1m read2 sources
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Sam Saadeh changed his shirt on a United Airlines flight from Atlanta to Newark Liberty International Airport on June 4 after a supervisor told him a flight attendant found the message offensive. " Saadeh, a resident of Linden, New Jersey, of Palestinian descent, said he was pulled off the plane just after boarding.
The supervisor stated the choices were to change the shirt or be denied boarding, according to Saadeh.
He changed the shirt and completed the flight as scheduled. United Airlines said in a statement that the customer flew after changing his shirt. United's policy allows denial of transport to passengers whose clothing is lewd, obscene or offensive.
Saadeh told CBS News New York he was "very confused" during the exchange and later spoke with airline personnel in Newark without receiving specific answers. Saadeh has filed an official complaint with the United States Department of Transportation and said he is consulting with lawyers. He stated he will continue to wear the shirt.
The shirt holds a deeper meaning for him and advocates for children, he said. A United Nations report states that more than 20,000 children have been killed in Gaza by Israel. The Israeli government has rejected the report and denied deliberately targeting civilians.
