Legal Battle Over OnlyFans Content
A former United Airlines flight attendant, Alexa Wawrzenski, is embroiled in a legal dispute with the airline after her termination allegedly due to her OnlyFans content. Wawrzenski, who served as a Los Angeles-based attendant since 2015, claims the decision reflects gender discrimination, harassment, and a violation of California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Background of the Dispute
The issue gained traction when United’s Ethics and Compliance Office was notified via an anonymous tip in June 2020 about Wawrzenski's OnlyFans account. This led to a close examination of her social media presence, particularly regarding images of her in a flight attendant uniform. A rigorous investigation ensued in July 2020, involving a lengthy interrogation about her digital activities, focusing extensively on her OnlyFans account, where she primarily shared health, diet, and lifestyle content.
Violation of Social Media Policies
United’s stipulations led Wawrzenski to delete images from her Instagram that featured her in uniform—a demand she complied with. Nevertheless, her dismissal resulted from what the airline considered an infraction of its social media policy and a conflict of interest clause in its Code of Ethics. This policy prohibits monetizing any images faintly related to their role at the airline, which they enforced after discovering a residual, filtered photo on her profile.
Court Proceedings and Claims of Discrimination
The Superior Court of Los Angeles County initially dismissed Wawrzenski's lawsuit in October 2020. However, in a twist, the California Court of Appeals Second District reversed this decision in October 2024, citing potential gender-based inconsistencies in enforcing the social media policy. The appellate court highlighted that male counterparts had not faced similar repercussions for comparable actions, suggesting a gender bias.
Implications for Corporate Policy and Gender Equality
This ongoing legal battle underscores significant concerns about gender equality, privacy, and the balance between personal freedom and professional obligations in the workplace. Wawrzenski seeks reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, and damages for emotional distress. On the other hand, United Airlines holds firm that the promotion of her OnlyFans page jeopardized their corporate reputation.
