Airline ordered to pay woman’s therapy bill after claims she was banned from flight for being 'too big'

A court has ruled in favour of a social media influencer who accused an airline of discriminating against her size.

Brazilian digital creator Juliana Nehme flew to Lebanon for a family holiday - flying there with Air France and facing no issues.

However, when the 38-year-old attempted to board a Qatar Airways flight between the country's capital of Beirut to Doha on the first of her return flights on 22 November, she was allegedly turned away from getting on the plane.

Nehme accused the airline of having not let her board because she 'was too big for her seat'.

@juliananehme/ Instagram

The digital creator claims she was not only refused boarding, but also allegedly not offered a refund, told by airline staff she would have to upgrade her ticket to first class where larger seats were available and subsequently cough up an extra £2,480.

Nehme was subsequently forced to remain in Lebanon with her mum.

Taking to Instagram, Nehme claimed: "I'm spending money on hotel and taxi that I didn't need! Can't afford to hang around any longer. And they said I have to pay for another fare for my mother and upgrade mine to executive. But nobody wanted to sell me! I was extremely humiliated in front of all the people at the airport! All because I'm FAT!

"Shame on a company like Qatar to allow this kind of DISCRIMINATION against people! I'm FAT but I'm SAME AS EVERYBODY! It is not fair to buy my ticket and be HUMILIATED, THREATENED AND BLOCKED FROM FLYING! I NEED AN URGENT SOLUTION!"

@juliananehme/ Instagram

Nehme's recollection of events contrasted greatly with Qatar Airways' statement on the incident.

The airline said its check-in staff had experienced 'aggression' and 'rude[ness]' from Nehme.

A spokesperson for Qatar Airways told LBC: "Qatar Airways treats all passengers with respect and dignity and in line with industry practices and similar to most airlines. Anyone who impedes upon the space of a fellow traveller and cannot secure their seatbelt or lower their armrests may be required to purchase an additional seat both as a safety precaution and for the comfort and safety of all passengers.

"The passenger in question at Beirut Airport was initially extremely rude and aggressive to check-in staff when one of her travelling party did not produce required PCR documentation for entry to Brazil. As a result, airport security was requested to intervene as staff and passengers were extremely concerned with her behaviour."

Sam Pollitt / Alamy Stock Photo

Despite this, Sao Paulo's court's Judge Renata Martins de Carvalho ruled in the influencer's favour.

In order to compensate for the treatment Nehme faced and to make sure the 'stressful and traumatic event is overcome' Qatar Airways will now have to pay for 'weekly therapy session worth BFL 400 (£63) for a period of at least one year, totalling BRL 19,200 (£3,000), to be deposited in the plaintiff's bank account,' the judge stated.

The money was ruled as being 'urgent relief' for the influencer and a 'reasonable and proportionate measure'.

The verdict was reflected on by Eduardo Barbosa - Nehme's lawyer - as being 'a milestone in the fight against prejudice'.

A spokesperson for Qatar Airways told LADbible: "Qatar Airways has not received an official communication related to this legal ruling. However, if required, any clarification will be promptly provided to the relevant authorities. We take this opportunity to reassure our customers that the Company treats all passengers with respect and dignity, and in line with airline industry practices and regulation."