Cue the violins.
A conservative commentator is in hot water after she demanded “reparations” from American Airlines for having to sit between two overweight passengers on a three-hour-long flight.
Australian-American political commentator Sydney Watson had taken to Twitter to share her discomfort onboard a flight on 11 October, which she described as being “literally wedged between two obese people”.
“This is absolutely not acceptable or okay. If fat people want to be fat, fine. But it is something else entirely when I’m stuck between you, with your arm rolls on my body, for three hours,” she wrote, as she posted photos of the passengers’ arms.
“I don’t care if this is mean. My entire body is currently being touched against my wishes. I can’t even put the armrests down on either side because there’s no f***ing room,” she added. “If you need a seat belt extender, you are too fat to be on a plane.”
In one of the tweets, Watson referred to the passengers as “the fats” and stated that they were “sweating” on her.
“Our passengers come in all different sizes and shapes. We’re sorry you were uncomfortable on your flight,” American Airlines replied to one of her tweets.
Our passengers come in all different sizes and shapes. We're sorry you were uncomfortable on your flight.
— americanair (@AmericanAir) October 11, 2022
In another tweet, the airline said it offered “a variety of seat sizes and styles” so that its customers could select what works best for them.
Meanwhile, responding to another social media user, American Airlines posted a link showcasing its seat options.
On Friday, the commentator asked for “reparations” after her experience sparked a debate on social media, with some people criticising her for “fatphobic” remarks, while others questioned the airline.
The next day, Watson said she was “totally fine” with being in the news for “fat shaming”, later adding that she will “stand by everything”.
Watson later stated that the company that was flying her to a venue had booked the middle seat and when she went to change, there were no other seats available.
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