Man Defends Mother Who Got Body-Shamed By Rude Plane Passenger
A man stepped in to save a distressed woman from an upsetting situation on a flight.
Bad company
Savannah Phillips usually prefers to sit alone on flights. Being self-conscious about her weight, her "worst nightmare" is making others uncomfortable when sitting next to her.
However, on one particular United Airlines flight to Chicago, the 33-year-old mother of two had company.
A man in his 60s with bright yellow sunglasses sat next to her and, as he did so, took out his cell phone.
Describing what happens next, Savannah saw, in a large font and at full brightness, the following words on the man's screen.
"Hey Babe, I’m sitting next to a smelly fatty"
- The man's cell phone text, per Savannah Phillip's Facebook page
The mean message immediately sent Phillips to tears as her worst nightmare is realized.
"I was shocked and it was like confirmation of the negative things I think about myself on a daily basis."
To make matters worse, the pilot announced a 30-minute delay for takeoff, which for Phillips meant "more time I would have to sit next to this creep."
Trading places
Then, several minutes later, the insensitive passenger got a tap on the shoulder.
It was Chase Irwin, a father and fellow passenger traveling from Nashville who was seated in the row behind Savannah.
Having seen the text message and pain inflicted on Philllips, he told News Channel 5 he had to act.
"I was going to wait until the end of the flight to say something but I could not have this guy sit next to her this whole flight and her thinking he's making fun of her"
- Chase Irwin
"We're switching seats right now," Irwin told the passenger.
When asked why Irwin replied "You're texting about her and I'm not putting up with that." The passenger quickly complied.
Thanks to Irwin, the remainder of the flight went smoothly as the two shared hugs and stories about their families.
“He encouraged me not to let that guy get to me and told me that everything was going to be fine,” said Phillips.
Not all abuse leaves bruises
Phillips hopes that her painful experience and Irwin's noble actions are instructive.
"I hope it sets a good example for others for what they should do in situations like that and to stick up for people when they need help"
- Savannah Phillips
We usually associate someone in danger with an accident or physical abuse.
Phillips's experience, however, reveals that mental abuse, like body-shaming, also inflicts great harm.
Similarly, it also sometimes takes someone like Irwin to step in and save the day.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.