WATCH: New York artist Leanna Perry removed from flight after drunken altercation
A woman who launched into a foul-mouthed tirade and physically assaulted a fellow passenger on a Southwest Airlines flight has been identified as Leanna Perry, a New York-based artist with a high-profile professional portfolio.
The 32-year-old was forcibly removed from a Kansas City-bound flight at LaGuardia Airport on June 16 following an alcohol-fuelled outburst in which she allegedly spat on a fellow traveller, pulled her hair, and shouted obscenities about her appearance.
Footage of the incident, which has since gone viral, shows Perry slurring her words, kicking at passengers and crew, and hurling abuse at a woman she mocked for her weight.
At one point, she spat directly at the woman’s face while being restrained by airline staff.
pic.twitter.com/km5JeKdlhW 32-year-old NY resident Leanna Perry was reportedly intoxicated...it might be time to stop servicing alcohol on planes....
Perry was later escorted from the aircraft on a gurney and taken into custody by Port Authority police on suspicion of aggravated assault. She has not yet commented publicly.
According to now-deleted social media accounts, Perry had worked with a number of high-profile companies including Maybelline, Adidas, MAC, and Hot Topic. According to Daily Mail, her professional website and LinkedIn page were taken offline shortly after her identity became public.
In the videos, Perry can be heard repeatedly shouting slurs and making offensive remarks about race and appearance, even claiming her boyfriend was Black in a tirade laced with expletives and erratic movements.
At one point, she fell to the floor yelling “I can’t breathe” before kicking at staff and fellow passengers.
Despite several attempts to de-escalate the situation, Perry continued to resist restraint, mocking the physical appearance of the woman she attacked and screaming profanities until she was removed.
The confrontation took place just before takeoff, prompting a delay as authorities responded to the disturbance. The flight eventually departed without Perry onboard.
Born in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Perry currently resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has previously attended New York Fashion Week and other high-profile art events in the city.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether formal charges will be filed. The incident has sparked renewed concern about in-flight safety and the need for stricter airline protocols when dealing with aggressive behaviour.