Overview

• Mohammad Shibli alleges a Delta flight attendant slapped him on a July 29 Atlanta–Fresno flight after a dispute over water for his 2-year-old.
• A nearby passenger said the impact was loud enough to be heard through noise-cancelling earbuds, according to a witness statement shared by the legal team.
• Delta says the crew member has been suspended and that an internal investigation is underway, declining further comment on the case.
• The planned lawsuit, expected to be filed this week, seeks training for all employees on Palestine and a day of profits, with reports ranging from about $9.5 million to roughly $20 million.
• Shibli’s attorney links the incident to past controversies over Palestinian-flag pins at Delta, as legal commentators question the likelihood of a sizable award and the airline’s vicarious liability.