A hidden camera under a plane’s toilet seat, allegedly planted by a flight attendant, has sparked outrage and legal battles. American Airlines faces backlash for blaming a 9-year-old victim. Federal charges and a heated courtroom showdown loom large.
Blaming a Child: A Shocking Defense
A 9-year-old girl was expected to notice a hidden camera under a toilet seat, according to American Airlines’ defense. The airline’s lawyers made this claim in court filings, sparking outrage.
Alleged Filming of Young Girls
Estes Carter Thompson III, 37, allegedly filmed multiple young girls between the ages of 7 and 14 over seven months last year. Federal prosecutors have taken up the case against him.
Family’s Outrage Over Blame
One victim’s family, who sued both the airline and Thompson, expressed anger and disbelief at the airline’s defense. Their lawyer, Paul Llewellyn, conveyed their deep frustration and shock.
Lawyer Condemns Blame
Llewellyn strongly criticized the notion that a 9-year-old should have known about the hidden camera. He emphasized the absurdity and inappropriateness of such a defense.
Airline’s Controversial Court Filing
American Airlines’ court filing argued that the injuries sustained by the girl were due to her own fault and negligence. This assertion further fueled public outrage and legal scrutiny.
Family’s Reaction to Defense
The family was appalled by the airline’s defense, feeling it added insult to injury. Llewellyn noted their profound disappointment and shock.
Details of the Incident
Among the four alleged victims, one girl, aged 9, noticed a camera flash under a taped-up toilet seat labeled “SEAT BROKEN.” This discovery was pivotal in the case.
Parents’ Immediate Response
The girl showed a picture of the hidden camera to her mother, enraging her parents. Her father confronted the flight attendants, demanding answers and accountability.
Airline’s Public Retraction
Facing backlash and media scrutiny, American Airlines retracted the defense in a public statement. The airline distanced itself from the controversial court filings, attempting to manage the fallout.
Airline Retracts Controversial Defense
American Airlines blamed outside legal counsel for an erroneous court filing, disavowing the defense that the child was at fault. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety and security, distancing itself from the controversial claim.
Firm Stand Against Blame
The airline’s statement asserted they do not believe the child is at fault and take the allegations seriously. Llewellyn, the family’s lawyer, acknowledged the statement but stressed that the damage was already done.
Federal and Civil Cases in Progress
Thompson faces a federal criminal case focusing on the 14-year-old who discovered the hidden phone. In addition, Llewellyn filed a civil case on behalf of the 9-year-old’s family, revealing that explicit images of the girl were found on Thompson’s phone.
Nightmare Family Trip
The family was on a January 2023 flight to Disneyland when their daughter was unknowingly recorded. The civil lawsuit describes the incident as a preventable nightmare that has caused severe emotional distress.
Impact on the Young Survivor
Since learning of the incident, the young girl has suffered from PTSD, experiencing depression, anxiety, insomnia, and nightmares. The emotional toll has affected her relationships, schooling, and overall functioning.
Criticism of Defense Strategy
Llewellyn criticized the airline’s initial defense, stating it re-traumatized the young survivor. He agreed with the characterization of the airline’s public retraction as a “groveling statement,” emphasizing that the defense should never have been adopted.
Teen Victim’s Ongoing Trauma
The 14-year-old girl who discovered the hidden phone is suffering from PTSD, according to federal documents. She remains jumpy, nervous, and fearful since the September 2023 flight when the allegations emerged.
Fearful of Public Spaces
The teenager now feels unsafe being alone in public, constantly worried about her safety. She even carries a self-defense ring with a small blade when she goes out for exercise.
Charges Against Thompson
Thompson faces federal charges of attempted sexual exploitation of children and possession of child sexual abuse images. He pleaded not guilty to all charges last week.
Arrest and Custody
Thompson was arrested in January 2024 in Virginia and has been in federal custody since. Authorities found hundreds of explicit images, including AI-generated child pornography, on his iCloud account.
Consequences if Convicted
If convicted, Thompson faces 15 to 30 years for attempted sexual exploitation of children and up to 20 years for possession of child sexual abuse images. Additional penalties include supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution.
Upcoming Court Date
Thompson, who has been suspended from service since the discovery, is due back in court on July 1. The case continues to draw significant public and legal attention.
