Influencer claims she was denied meal in First Class as only Black passenger on American Airlines flight [VIDEO]

Viral Complaint Sparks Controversy for American Airlines

Boston-based fashion influencer Johbidoo_official, who has a strong following of over 539,000 on TikTok and 223,000 on Instagram, is calling out American Airlines for alleged racial discrimination. According to a video she posted on May 15, 2025, the incident occurred on May 3 during flight AA 1074 from Miami (MIA) to Boston (BOS), where she claims to have been the only Black person in first class. Despite booking her ticket five days in advance and being fully awake during meal service, she says the airline conveniently “ran out of food” when it came time to serve her.

The Viral Video

The influencer’s post features the video, a compilation of personal images, screenshots of her boarding pass, and photos from inside the aircraft, including her empty tray table. A repeated text overlay reads: “WHEN U THE ONLY BLACK PERSON IN FIRST CLASS AND THE FOOD APPARENTLY RAN OUT… WELL THANK U AMERICAN AIRLINES.”

The video, which is nearly three minutes long, includes captions such as:

• “I was baffled. I was heated.”
• “Trust me, the feeling that you have watching this video. I was feeling worse during that time.”
• “They said all the food was gone after everyone else had been served.”

As of May 16, the video has gained more than 10 million views across platforms. Thus, drawing wide support and skepticism.

Was It Racial Discrimination or a Catering Issue?

According to American Airlines’ official policy, first-class passengers on flights over 900 miles are typically offered meal service during designated meal times. The flight in question, covering roughly 1,260 miles, qualifies. However, industry sources like Simple Flying and View from the Wing report that catering inconsistencies do happen. A 2023 article noted that the airline clarified meals are not “guaranteed” but rather provided based on availability. Therefore, hinting at potential operational mishaps.

Still, Johbidoo_official challenges this logic. She said she hadn’t eaten all day, had been looking forward to the meal, and was one of the few passengers in first class. Her frustration stems from the fact that everyone else around her had been served.

Social Media Reactions

Responses to the X post were mixed. Some users supported her:

• “This is part of a pattern. Subtle racism is real,” wrote @ThemGoTalk1.
• “She deserves answers. If everyone else got food, why not her?” posted @LayWithLav.

However, others pushed back:

• “I’ve flown AA and missed meals too. It happens to everyone,” replied @DonutOperator.
• “She didn’t even have proof of being skipped. Looks like clout-chasing,” said @MJCEsq7.

American Airlines’ History With Discrimination Claims

This isn’t the first time American Airlines has faced scrutiny. In 2017, the NAACP issued a travel advisory citing “disturbing incidents” involving African American passengers. Though lifted in 2018 after promises of reform, the advisory resurfaced in public conversations following more recent events.

In 2024, eight Black men were removed from an AA flight due to an alleged body odor complaint. Three filed a discrimination lawsuit, prompting American Airlines to suspend the employees involved and announce new initiatives, including forming an advisory group for Black passengers.

Another incident in early 2024 involved a Black woman who accused flight attendants of targeting her during a restroom visit. No conclusive outcome was released publicly.

Influencer’s Platform and Reach

Johbidoo_official isn’t just a random passenger with a complaint—she’s a digital force in fashion and lifestyle content. With 539,670 TikTok followers and 327 videos under her belt, she averages more than 264,000 views per upload. Her video engagement rate is an impressive 9.24%, with a follower engagement rate of 53.5%—a reflection of strong audience loyalty.

On Instagram, she boasts another 223,000 followers. While her account is private, she’s recognized within influencer circles for her high-impact content and polished aesthetics. Industry estimates suggest she earns over $10,000 monthly from content alone. This level of visibility has undoubtedly helped the story go viral. Therefore, bringing widespread attention to her American Airlines experience.

Her viral TikTok wasn’t her first travel-related post, but it’s the one that’s landed with the most impact. And with her urging fans to hold the airline accountable, she’s not just documenting her life. Instead, she’s using her platform to push for change.

Influencers like @LifeWithNea and @TheBoujeeNomad have also chimed in, using their platforms to amplify calls for transparency and accountability. Some creators have even announced plans to avoid the airline until the situation is addressed.

This collective push from content creators is a reminder that in today’s landscape, brands are under constant surveillance by those with direct access to engaged audiences. The power of digital storytelling, especially when it involves issues of race and fairness, cannot be underestimated.

Public Perception vs. Operational Reality

Johbidoo_official’s situation may very well be an example of poor catering logistics. Yet, when framed within a company history marred by similar allegations, it takes on deeper meaning. For many Black travelers, the incident is emblematic of a pattern of disrespect and inequity that can’t be ignored.

Even if the cause was innocent, the optics and emotional impact speak volumes. When only one passenger in a premium cabin walks away without a meal—and happens to be the only Black person seated there—it’s bound to trigger questions. This is especially true when past behavior from the airline includes suspended employees and formal legal actions.

Final Thoughts

As of now, American Airlines has not issued a public response to Johbidoo_official’s claims. With millions of views and a growing chorus demanding accountability, the pressure is on for the airline to investigate and respond.

Whether this was a case of racial discrimination or an unfortunate operational mishap remains uncertain. What is clear is that for many travelers of color, incidents like this one erode trust and amplify concerns that they are being treated unfairly—even in the most elite travel settings.

For American Airlines, this is a reminder that public perception is shaped not only by service but by how equitably that service is delivered—and how swiftly concerns are acknowledged and addressed.