Featured Image Credit: Instagram/jeniffercastro
Topics: Plane Etiquette, Social Media, Travel, Viral, Instagram
Joshua Nair
Topics: Plane Etiquette, Social Media, Travel, Viral, Instagram
The woman who made headlines for refusing to give her window seat up for a crying child has explained why she's suing the airline.
In case you missed it, Jeniffer Castro was a bank employee from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and became the hottest topic on social media after her actions on a GOL Airlines domestic flight back in December 2024.
The footage, which was filmed by another passenger and subsequently went viral, has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with the woman recently deciding to take legal action against the airline.
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Castro has undertaken a number of interviews since her newfound fame, including an appearance on the Cola Mais podcast, where she stated that 'measures are being taken'.
The passenger also claimed that another passenger advised her to move, but she refused, as flight attendants also didn't intervene.
She was sat in her assigned seat, when a crying toddler started crying as he wanted to sit there as it was by the window, but Castro refused.
This subject matter has been at the epicentre of many online debates, as some believe it to be good plane etiquette, while others think you have a right to stay in your seat.
Castro, 29, also added in an exclusive interview with MailOnline that her life has 'taken a turn' since the 'extremely embarrassing situation', which was filmed without her consent by another passenger, who she claimed was berating her.
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The former banker, who now boasts over two million followers on Instagram, also revealed why she is looking to sue the airline, despite cabin crew not getting involved.
Claiming that she became a target from people who 'don't even know the full story', Castro said that the child crying was 'uncomfortable' but 'understandable' while travelling.
However, she was shocked by the backlash from the video, and said it affected her career and mental health, to the point where she had to quit her banking job.
Now, Castro has taken legal action, filing against GOL Airlines to seek compensation for distress and damages caused by the clip.
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She has also filed against the passenger that filmed it all against her will.
Mentioning 'judicial secrecy', she didn't reveal how much for, but explained: "In addition to the emotional impact, I was also afraid, because we know that, unfortunately, there are many bad people in the world.
"I decided to sue the airline because what happened to me was a huge embarrassment, and this situation should never have reached this point," she said.
"No one deserves to go through what I went through, being filmed, insulted and attacked just for exercising a basic right," the Brazilian claimed.
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Castro went on: "This lawsuit is not just about reparations, but also about setting a limit on this type of behaviour.
"We all have rights, and they must be respected, regardless of other people's opinions."
It's not all doom and gloom though, as she admitted that she has managed to secure some brand deals as a social media influencer.
She further clarified: "We gathered all the necessary evidence and took the appropriate measures against whoever filmed me.
"There is no action against the child's mother, only against those who violated my privacy."
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Castro ultimately hopes that this suit will set a new expectation against public shaming and exposure against people's wills.
LADbible has reached out to GOL Airlines for comment.