Randi Zuckerberg, sister of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, complained she had been sexually harassed by a male passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight. She posted a letter to the CEO of the airline on her Twitter feed, which stated that the man made “explicit and highly offensive sexual comments”, as they boarded the plane.
READ MORE: Every Third American Woman Faces Sexual Harassment — Poll
At the same time Randi said the flight attendants didn’t do anything about the man’s “inappropriate behavior,” telling Zuckerberg “not to take it personally.” She elaborated that the crew members kept serving the abusive passenger alcoholic beverages, while he proceeded with his offensive comments.
Feeling disgusted & degraded after an @AlaskaAir flight where the passenger next to me made repeated lewd sexual remarks. The flight attendants told me he was a frequent flier, brushed off his behavior & kept giving him drinks. I guess his $ means more than our safety? My letter: pic.twitter.com/xOkDpb0dYU
— Randi Zuckerberg (@randizuckerberg) November 30, 2017
Zuckerberg’s post sparked a veritable tsunami of reactions all over social media.
While some users were supportive of her message:
Imagine all of the women flying who don’t have the same platform to be heard or affirmed.
— Kimberly Kay Hoang (@kimberlykhoang) November 30, 2017
What's infuriating is that as women (ex: the flight attendants) we're programmed to grin & bear it, giggle it off & make excuses for men who don't know how to behave. It's seared into our brains after decades of making up for other's poor behavior. TY for screaming IT'S NOT OK!👿
— Elizabeth Galbut (@design4innov8) November 30, 2017
Others tried to justify the flight attendants’ inaction:
The flight attendants are victims og this too, it's not fair to blame them. No doubt they have been on the receiving end of this behaviour many times and expected to put up with it
— Soapbox Girl (@soapboxgirl79) November 30, 2017
Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines took Randi’s post seriously and took instant action on Twitter:
What you have shared with us is very disturbing. We have launched an investigation and have revoked this passenger's travel privileges pending the outcome of that investigation. We wish to discuss this further with you. Please DM us so we can connect tonight.
— Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) November 30, 2017
More women across various industries and walks of life have started confessing to being victims of sexual harassment. Famous actresses launched a #MeToo movement, calling on women and even men to share their stories and go public with allegations. Film producer Harvey Weinstein, actor Kevin Spacey, TV show host Matt Lauer are among those who have been accused of sexual misconduct.
