Brian Hsu, who once broke a flight attendant's nose, has filed a lawsuit alleging a brain injury inflicted by a vendor in New York exacerbated his violent behavior, leading to the notorious airline incident.
Brian Hsu claims a prior assault by River Tarpley, resulting in a brain injury, sparked his violent outburst on an American Airlines flight in 2021, New York Post reported.
In 2021, Hsu attacked an American Airlines flight attendant, leading to severe repercussions including a lifetime ban from the airline and a guilty plea to federal charges. The violent episode supposedly stemmed from a brain injury inflicted a month earlier during an unprovoked attack by Tarpley in Manhattan's Union Square.
Hsu’s legal filings claim that Tarpley brutally assaulted him before the mid-air attack, striking his head and face, leading to severe injuries that required multiple surgeries. These injuries reportedly left Hsu vulnerable to violent outbursts.
During the flight from New York City to Santa Ana, Hsu assaulted a flight attendant, prompting an emergency landing in Denver. He later served two years of probation for federal assault charges and has now filed a lawsuit against Tarpley, holding him partially responsible for the in-flight incident.
Hsu filed the lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court, seeking damages for a brain injury allegedly caused by Tarpley. Tarpley, who has a history of legal issues, was convicted on misdemeanor assault charges but acquitted of felony charges related to the incident with Hsu.
Both sides have made their positions clear. Hsu’s attorney, Michael Lezamiz, emphasized the severe and lasting injuries as the basis for the lawsuit. Hsu has also publicly expressed remorse for the incident, acknowledging the harm caused to the flight attendant.
Tarpley has remained silent on the lawsuit, responding only with "No comment" when questioned by the press. Meanwhile, River's mother, Candece Tarpley, has defended her son, casting doubt on Hsu's claims about the injuries and circumstances of the assault. She emphasized her son's cooperation with law enforcement as proof of his innocence.
The case involves complex issues of personal injury, legal consequences, and the pursuit of accountability. Hsu's legal action appears aimed at addressing both the physical and psychological impacts of the confrontation, as well as potentially easing the legal fallout from his actions during the flight.
