A wild disturbance on a Southwest Airlines flight early Tuesday resulted in the arrest of a 32-year-old artist from New York City, identified as Leanna Perry.
Perry, who is known for her work with high-profile brands such as Maybelline, Steve Madden, and Adidas, was filmed verbally assaulting her fellow passengers and displaying erratic behavior while attempting to board the flight at LaGuardia Airport.
Witnesses described Perry’s actions as bizarre, with some stating that she appeared ‘possessed’ as she was removed from the aircraft.
According to reports, Perry was intoxicated during the incident, which escalated quickly when she began berating a female passenger.
Videos from the flight show Perry forcing a fistful of the woman’s hair and shouting expletives at her.
As a Southwest employee intervened, pleading with Perry to let go of the woman’s hair, she continued her tirade, refusing to comply.
Eventually, airline staff had to zip-tie Perry’s hands behind her back to separate her from the passenger.
However, even once restrained, Perry persisted in hurling insults, calling the woman an “ugly-ass bitch.”
Her aggression continued as she targeted other passengers, allegedly slurring at a man who was assisting Southwest employees, saying, “I’m sorry black guy! My boyfriend’s black so shut the f–k up.”
The situation escalated further when Perry spat directly in the face of the woman she was harassing.
In the ensuing chaos, she threw herself onto the floor between the seats, continuing to shout expletives as she kicked her legs in the air, startling other passengers on board.
One witness commented how “she was zip-tied and flailing like she was possessed,” highlighting the level of disturbance on the flight.
As authorities attempted to remove her from the aircraft, she reportedly spat at officers and kicked one arresting officer in the leg.
Perry, a graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, has built a career as an illustrator and designer for various significant fashion brands, rising to prominence as a leading designer at Maybelline in 2022.
Her online portfolio showcases her contributions to several well-known companies, including MAC, Hot Topic, and Shein, alongside her collaborations with designers Betsey Johnson and Nicole Miller.
Following the incident, Perry faces multiple charges, including resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, disorderly conduct, three counts of harassment, and three counts of attempted assault, as detailed in the criminal complaint.
After spending time in police custody, she was released later that Tuesday and is scheduled to appear back in court on September 3.
The shocking behavior displayed by Perry has drawn significant attention, and many express concern over the growing issues of unruly passengers on flights.
The incident stands as a reminder of the challenges airline staff face when dealing with disruptive behavior among travelers.
image source from：nypost
