The Alleged Assault

According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred shortly after the flight took off, when the cabin lights were dimmed, and many passengers were asleep. Morgan, seated in a middle seat next to Abraham, alleges he began rubbing his arms against her, deliberately attempting to touch her breasts. Despite her efforts to create distance, Abraham’s actions escalated. The complaint states he placed his hand on her upper thigh, slid it toward her vagina, and fondled her genitals, using a bag on his lap to conceal an erection. Morgan yelled “Stop!” but received no assistance from the flight crew, and the assault went unnoticed by most passengers due to the dimmed lighting. Morgan’s husband, who was also on the flight but seated separately, was unable to intervene, and Morgan was charged $70 for a seat change request that was not fulfilled (Star-Telegram).

American Airlines’ Alleged Negligence

The lawsuit accuses American Airlines of negligence, asserting that the airline was aware of prior sexual assault allegations against Abraham but failed to ban him from flying. A 2023 incident involving Abraham, where he was reported for sexual abuse on another American Airlines flight, is cited as evidence of the airline’s knowledge. Morgan’s attorney, Sarah M. Raisch, stated that American Airlines was aware of increasing sexual assaults on overnight flights but allowed Abraham to become a “serial predator” (Fox News). The lawsuit further claims that the airline’s response to Morgan’s complaint was inadequate, marked by victim-blaming and generic automated replies. In a May 2024 call, airline executives reportedly blamed Morgan for not reporting the incident during the flight, despite her immediate post-flight complaint and follow-up with executives on April 30, 2024 (NBC News).

Cherian Abraham’s Background and Other Incidents

Cherian Abraham, a corporate professional from Allen, Texas, has a troubling history of alleged in-flight misconduct. In addition to Morgan’s case, Abraham faces federal charges for abusive sexual contact related to a March 18, 2025, incident on an American Airlines flight from Chicago to Seattle, where he allegedly touched a 22-year-old woman’s breast three times (Department of Justice). Abraham denied these allegations when interviewed by authorities. Another incident on October 9, 2023, involved Abraham touching a passenger’s leg three times, further establishing a pattern of behavior. Abraham was arrested on March 23, 2025, and made an initial court appearance the following day, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 7, 2025, in the U.S. District Court in Seattle. The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. American Airlines has since banned Abraham from flying and is cooperating with law enforcement.

Legal Proceedings and Claims

Filed on April 24, 2025, Morgan’s lawsuit includes multiple claims against both defendants. Against American Airlines, the suit alleges negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and fraudulent concealment for failing to act on prior reports about Abraham. Against Abraham, it claims sexual battery, gender violence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit seeks damages, court costs, and attorney’s fees to address the physical and emotional trauma Morgan endured. Morgan spoke publicly for the first time on April 30, 2025, expressing her desire for corporations to “do better” and describing feelings of being “traumatized, exposed, invisible, and paralyzed” by the incident and the airline’s response (Fox News).

American Airlines’ Response

American Airlines has emphasized that passenger safety is their highest priority and stated they are taking the matter seriously, working closely with law enforcement on the investigation (NBC News). However, Morgan and her legal team have criticized the airline’s handling of the situation. After reporting the assault online to the airline’s customer service, Morgan received no response for over a week, and subsequent replies were dismissive. The airline’s attempt to shift blame onto Morgan for not reporting mid-flight has drawn particular scrutiny, with her attorneys arguing it reflects a broader culture of indifference toward passenger safety (Star-Telegram).

Broader Implications for Airline Safety

Morgan’s case highlights critical issues regarding passenger safety on commercial flights, particularly during overnight red-eye flights where dimmed lighting and sleeping passengers may create vulnerabilities. The lawsuit argues that American Airlines’ failure to ban Abraham after prior allegations enabled a pattern of predatory behavior, raising questions about how airlines vet passengers and respond to misconduct reports. The increasing frequency of reported in-flight assaults, as noted by Morgan’s legal team, underscores the need for robust safety protocols, including better crew training, immediate response mechanisms, and proactive measures to prevent known offenders from boarding. This case may prompt airlines to reevaluate their policies to better protect passengers and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Morgan’s Personal Impact and Advocacy

In her public statements, Morgan has expressed the profound emotional toll of the assault and the airline’s response. She described feeling “paralyzed” during the incident and “invisible” in its aftermath, as her attempts to seek help were met with cold, automated replies or blame. Her decision to file the lawsuit and speak out reflects a broader goal of holding corporations accountable and advocating for systemic change. Morgan’s story resonates with other survivors of in-flight assaults, as evidenced by the multiple allegations against Abraham, and her case may inspire further action to address this growing issue.

Current Status and Next Steps

As of May 2, 2025, the lawsuit is in its early stages, with no trial date yet announced. Abraham remains out on bond for his federal charge, barred from flying with American Airlines, and faces a preliminary hearing on April 7, 2025, for the Chicago-to-Seattle incident. The outcome of Morgan’s lawsuit could set a precedent for how airlines handle allegations of in-flight misconduct, potentially leading to stricter regulations and improved safety measures. For now, Morgan continues to seek justice, hoping her case will drive meaningful change in the airline industry.

Conclusion

Barbara Morgan’s lawsuit against American Airlines and Cherian Abraham brings to light a deeply troubling incident that underscores the vulnerabilities passengers may face on commercial flights. The allegations of negligence against the airline and the pattern of misconduct attributed to Abraham highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and accountability. As this case progresses, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting passengers and ensuring that airlines prioritize safety over profits. Morgan’s courage in sharing her story may pave the way for a safer future for air travel.