Brittany Cartwright Alleges Shocking Delta Flight Assault: Hair Pulled and Gum Planted
A recent incident aboard a Delta Airlines flight has sent shockwaves through the celebrity world, particularly among fans of the hit reality show Vanderpump Rules. Star Brittany Cartwright took to social media to recount a disturbing encounter with a fellow passenger, alleging a physical assault that left her shaken and with gum in her hair. This harrowing account quickly garnered widespread attention, raising questions about passenger conduct, airline safety, and the personal impact of such distressing events during air travel.
The ordeal reportedly began as Brittany Cartwright, accompanied by her husband and fellow Vanderpump Rules star, Jax Taylor, was preparing to disembark a Delta flight in Miami. The situation escalated rapidly from a seemingly minor misunderstanding in the first-class bathroom to an alleged physical attack, painting a vivid picture of what Brittany described as “the airplane passenger from hell.”
The Bathroom Incident: A Precursor to Conflict
Brittany’s detailed account, initially shared on Twitter, described the initial moments of tension. According to her statement, she was in the first-class airplane bathroom, conveniently located near the flight attendants’ station. While occupied, another woman allegedly began aggressively shaking the door. Brittany stated she had already indicated the bathroom was in use. “When I stepped out I showed her the door and pointed where it said occupied and vacant,” Brittany wrote, highlighting her attempt to calmly resolve the situation.
What followed, however, was not an apology but rather a continuation of hostile behavior. The woman reportedly returned to her seat, several rows in front of Brittany, and, along with a companion, began to openly mock and point at Brittany. The reality star expressed her disbelief at this reaction, stating, “Her and the guy she was talking about me pointing at me, making fun of me, all because I said there was an occupied and a vacant sign!!” This initial interaction clearly set a contentious tone, foreshadowing the more severe alleged assault that was to come.
Alleged Physical Assault During Debarkation
The situation took a drastic turn as passengers began to deplane. Brittany recounted the terrifying moment when the alleged assailant became physically aggressive. As Brittany was exiting the aircraft, the woman positioned herself in front of her. “Not only did she do all of this, she walks out of the plane in front of me and right after we get out of the jet bridge she stops to get behind me, PUSHES ME and PULLS MY HAIR,” Brittany detailed. The unexpected physical contact, occurring immediately after leaving the confines of the aircraft but still within the airport’s controlled environment, was a shocking escalation.
Jax Taylor, who witnessed the entire incident, reacted instantly. “Jax saw it all happen so of course we walk after her and say how dare you touch me I did nothing but show you a sign.” However, it wasn’t until Brittany reached her destination in Miami that the full extent of the alleged assault became apparent. “Once I get to the house in Miami I realize she put gum in my hair when she pulled it and pushed me,” she revealed, adding another layer of malice to an already distressing event. Discovering gum entangled in her hair after such a confrontational encounter undoubtedly compounded the shock and emotional distress.
Brittany Cartwright’s Stance: Seeking Legal Recourse and Accountability
Understandably, Brittany Cartwright is determined to pursue justice for what she describes as a “complete assault.” Her resolute stance emphasizes that such egregious behavior is entirely unacceptable, especially in a public and confined setting like an airport or an airplane. “This kind of behavior is not acceptable and I will be pressing charges,” she declared. This commitment to legal action underscores the severity of the incident and Brittany’s unwavering belief that the assailant must be held accountable for her actions.
The aftermath of the assault involved the unpleasant task of cutting gum out of her hair, a tangible and frustrating consequence of the alleged attack. Brittany articulated her feelings of undeserved victimization, stating, “I did absolutely nothing to deserve this and I feel like a mean girl like this needs to be put in her place before she reacts like this to someone else.” Her concern extends beyond her own experience, highlighting a desire to prevent similar incidents from happening to other unsuspecting individuals. She also expressed her hope that Delta Airlines will take appropriate measures, confirming that she has collected crucial details such as the assailant’s flight information and seat number, which are vital for any investigation.
Brittany’s message conveyed not only anger but also deep sadness and disbelief. “I would NEVER ever disrespect someone this way, no matter how mad they made me so I can’t believe this behavior exists. It makes me sad and I can’t get over it. I will make sure this lady knows she can’t treat people this way. If this is what she will do at an AIRPORT (and get away with it) imagine what she is doing elsewhere.” Her words resonate with many who struggle to comprehend such unwarranted aggression, particularly in a public space where basic civility is expected.
Support from the Vanderpump Rules Family
Following Brittany’s public disclosure, an outpouring of support quickly emerged from her fellow cast members and friends from Vanderpump Rules, illustrating the tight-knit nature of their bond. Their reactions, shared across various social media platforms, showcased a collective sense of outrage and solidarity with Brittany.
- Stassi Schroeder, a prominent figure on the show, voiced her disgust, writing, “This is effing insane. Currently making a witches brew for this loser.” Her colorful and emphatic response highlighted the strong emotional reaction shared by many.
- Katie Maloney, another close friend and castmate, expressed her sympathy and commitment to action: “I’m sorry Brittany! You got my support.. agent @kristendoute is on the job!” This tweet not only offered comfort but also pointed towards potential investigative efforts by their circle.
- Indeed, Kristen Doute, known for her assertive personality, confirmed her readiness to act, tweeting, “not gonna stop til we out this immature ass. WHO DOES THAT!?” Kristen’s determined tone underscored the collective resolve to expose the alleged assailant and ensure accountability.
These messages of support from her reality TV family undoubtedly provided Brittany with a sense of comfort and validation during a distressing time, demonstrating the strong personal connections formed over years of shared experiences.
Understanding Airline Protocols and Passenger Rights
This incident also brings into focus the broader issue of passenger behavior and airline responsibility. Delta Airlines, like all carriers, has stringent policies regarding disruptive and unruly passengers. Such behavior can result in various penalties for the aggressor, ranging from being banned from future flights with the airline to facing criminal charges, particularly when physical assault is involved. Airlines are generally committed to ensuring passenger safety and comfort, and incidents of physical aggression are typically taken very seriously.
When an assault occurs on an aircraft or within airport premises, passengers have the right to report it to both the airline and local law enforcement. Providing detailed information, such as flight numbers, seat assignments, and descriptions of the individual, as Brittany has done, is crucial for investigations. While airlines can assist by providing passenger manifests and flight attendant testimonies, the formal process of “pressing charges” usually involves law enforcement, who would then decide whether to pursue criminal prosecution based on the evidence presented.
Incidents like Brittany’s serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining civility in shared public spaces. Air travel, while commonplace, can be a source of stress for many, and unfortunately, this stress can sometimes lead to irrational or aggressive behavior. Airlines often train their staff to de-escalate conflicts, but direct physical assaults are breaches of law and safety that require external intervention.
The Broader Conversation: Air Rage and Traveler Etiquette
Brittany Cartwright’s experience is not an isolated incident. Reports of “air rage” and passenger misconduct have seen fluctuations over the years, often fueled by stress, alcohol, or even the close proximity and lack of personal space on airplanes. This event sparks a crucial conversation about traveler etiquette and the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
For passengers, understanding how to react responsibly in tense situations is key. While it’s natural to feel anger or frustration, resorting to violence or aggression is never justified and carries severe legal consequences. For those who witness or are subjected to such behavior, it is always advisable to alert flight attendants immediately, document the incident if possible (without escalating the situation), and cooperate with airline staff and law enforcement.
The visibility of this incident, given Brittany’s public profile, brings attention to an issue that affects countless travelers globally. It reinforces the need for respectful interaction, even under stressful conditions, and the expectation that airlines will uphold safety standards for all their passengers.
I’m so disgusted by what happened to me today while flying from Atlanta to Miami. @Delta I hope you see this and take the necessary measures, defending what is right, as I know I will. pic.twitter.com/R2X7LAHIJN
— Brittany Cartwright (@BNCartwright) December 30, 2018
Moving Forward: A Call for Justice and Safety
As this situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on Brittany Cartwright’s pursuit of justice and the potential actions Delta Airlines may take. The detailed information she has gathered will be crucial in any formal investigation. Her willingness to speak out not only highlights the personal trauma of such an event but also serves as a strong message that aggressive behavior will not be tolerated or overlooked.
The incident is a powerful reminder for airlines, passengers, and the public alike about the importance of civility, respect, and safety in air travel. Brittany’s experience underscores that while celebrities live in the public eye, they are not immune to the everyday challenges and unfortunate incidents that can affect anyone. Her journey to seek justice will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and advocates for passenger safety.
We will continue to monitor developments in this significant case and provide updates as they become available.