Date: August 27, 2025
Location: LaGuardia Airport, New York
Incident Overview
On June 17, 2025, a disturbing incident occurred aboard Southwest Airlines Flight 779 from LaGuardia Airport to Kansas City. Leanna Perry, a 32-year-old Brooklyn-based illustrator known for her collaborations with major brands such as Maybelline, Adidas, and Steve Madden, was reportedly intoxicated during the flight. Witnesses described her behavior as erratic and aggressive.
During the flight, Perry allegedly assaulted fellow passenger Livia Rombola by pulling her hair and verbally abusing her with profanities. The altercation escalated, leading to Perry being restrained by airline staff and later removed from the aircraft by Port Authority Police. The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention.
Legal Action Taken
In response to the assault, Livia Rombola filed a lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court on August 25, 2025. The lawsuit names both Leanna Perry and Southwest Airlines as defendants.
Key allegations in the lawsuit include:
- Assault and Battery: Rombola claims that Perry’s actions caused her physical harm and emotional distress.
- Negligence: The lawsuit alleges that Southwest Airlines failed to prevent the incident by allowing an intoxicated passenger to board and by not intervening promptly.
- Policy Criticism: Rombola’s legal team argues that Southwest’s unassigned seating policy contributed to the altercation, as it led to seating conflicts among passengers.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding the jurisdictional limits of New York State courts, citing both physical and psychological injuries sustained by Rombola.
Southwest Airlines’ Response
In the aftermath of the incident, Southwest Airlines issued a statement confirming that Perry was removed from the flight and denied boarding. The airline commended its staff for their professionalism during the incident.
Additionally, Southwest announced plans to discontinue its “free-for-all” seating policy, with an official end date set for early 2026. This policy change comes amid growing concerns about passenger safety and comfort.
Criminal Charges Against Perry
In addition to the civil lawsuit, Leanna Perry faces multiple criminal charges, including attempted assault and resisting arrest. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A court appearance is scheduled for September 3, 2025.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The incident has garnered significant media attention, with coverage from various outlets, including the New York Post and The Independent. The viral video of the altercation has sparked discussions about passenger behavior, airline policies, and the responsibilities of both passengers and airlines in ensuring a safe flying environment.
