FORT WORTH – American Airlines CEO Doug Parker was asked to mend the company’s process in handling sexual assault cases in a letter from flight attendant Kimberly Goesling, who filed a lawsuit against the airline.

Goesling claims she was sexually assaulted during her more than 30-year career with American Airlines. Her lawsuit alleges a sexual assault occurred in Germany and retaliation from her employer, following her report. A trial is set for Jan. 24, 2022.

The lawsuit details Goesling’s attacker as a celebrity chef, hired by American Airlines without conducting a background check. Even after the airline was made aware of his prior allegations, involving alcohol abuse and inappropriate sexual conduct, it retained his employment — according to evidence.

When Goesling reported the assault, she stated managers claimed they’d financially compensate her to aid in treatment and also give her as much time as needed away from work. However, that was not the case; rather, Goesling lost her role on the airline’s recruitment team, according to the lawsuit.

Additionally, in her letter to Parker, Goesling announced her retirement.

“I shouldn’t be the one who has to leave,” Goesling wrote. “It should be you that left long before now, you and every other manager and individual at American who played a role in making the company’s response to my sexual assault yet another attack on me and my family.”

To read the letter and watch Goesling read it, click here.

Goesling urges American Airline to actually follow the standards it expects from others, encouraging employees to speak up if they suspect illegal or unethical conduct. She also suggests the airline provide additional training for managers dealing with sexual assault victims so that they will no longer ask – as they did in her case – what the victim was wearing when attacked.

“I think Kimberly feels an obligation to the women and men who will remain behind at the airline,” said attorney Robert Miller of Miller Bryant LLP, who represents Ms. Goesling. “Her hope is that, in writing this letter, she can create change at the airline because they certainly seem to need it.” 

Click here to watch Goesling discuss the attack or go to metooaa.com to learn more.