Plus-size model Tess Holliday says she was left “in a state of shock” after a United Airlines flight attendant allegedly told her to lose weight during a first-class flight with her young son.
Holliday Describes “Shocking” Encounter
The 40-year-old model told People magazine that she was traveling first class from Tampa, Florida, with her 9-year-old son when the incident occurred.
“I was in the restroom, and my hip hit the flight attendant call button,” Holliday said. “When I came out of the bathroom, the flight attendant started to tell me that they noticed I was traveling with my child, and that losing weight would be in my best interest.”
According to Holliday, the conversation continued for around 10 minutes. The attendant reportedly spoke about his sister, who he described as being “very, very large” and said she had been discriminated against on a flight recently.
“He said his sister needed to lose weight as well, and that the long-term effect on our bodies isn’t good for our health,” Holliday recalled. “I was just frozen. I didn’t want to make a scene because my son was flying with me.”
A Special Flight for Her Son
Holliday said in a TikTok video that this trip was especially meaningful because it was her son’s first time flying first class since he was a baby.
“This was a really exciting experience for him,” she said.
In the same video, Holliday added that the flight attendant referenced a complaint made against his sister to United, saying that the airline’s response “made him uncomfortable,” though he still agreed that “she needed to lose weight.”
“If You Cared About Your Child…”
Holliday alleged that the attendant’s comments escalated:
“He told me that because I was traveling with my child, if I cared about him, I would do something — that I would lose the weight,” she said.
“He then goes on to tell me that because of my size, I am kidding myself if I think that I don’t need to lose weight.”
Holliday acknowledged that some might interpret the comments as well-intentioned advice, but firmly disagreed.
“That’s not the point,” she said. “You don’t say things like that to people. He said a myriad of other things. The conversation lasted entirely too long.”
She said she eventually excused herself from the exchange when another passenger approached the restroom.
Awkward Follow-Up on the Flight
Later, Holliday claimed that the same flight attendant came by during the snack service.
“He offered my son gummies to keep him from being ‘tempted,’” she said.
Holliday added that she has since spoken with United Airlines about the incident.
“They said they would pass it along and talk to the team member,” she commented. “I told them I don’t want anyone losing their job. I just want them to be aware and maybe do some sensitivity training so it doesn’t happen again.”
United Airlines and Holliday’s Response
United Airlines told Fox News Digital it had no comment regarding the alleged incident.
A representative for Tess Holliday did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
