Don’t Touch Me!’: Chaos Erupts as Passenger Vapes in Airplain Bathroom,A recent in-flight confrontation on an American Airlines flight has gone viral after a passenger accused a flight attendant of assault following an alleged incident involving vaping inside the airplane bathroom.
Peter Nguyen, who identifies himself as a celebrity pickleball coach, posted a video to social media capturing a heated exchange with a flight attendant who allegedly caught him vaping mid-flight. The altercation has since sparked widespread debate online, raising questions about airline policies, passenger conduct, and appropriate staff response in sensitive situations.
According to the video footage posted by Nguyen, the conflict began when a flight attendant reportedly opened the bathroom door while he was still inside. Nguyen claims that the airplain attendant did so after suspecting he was vaping. When she confronted him, Nguyen started filming the interaction and accused her of physically assaulting him.
In the now-viral clip Passenger Nguyen can be seen emotionally reacting to the confrontation, repeatedly yelling, “Don’t touch me!” and “She laid hands on me!” He also claimed the flight attendant tried to grab his phone during the altercation. Throughout the video, he remains visibly upset and asserts that his personal boundaries were violated.
Despite his repeated claims of assault, there is no video evidence of physical contact between the flight attendant and Nguyen, at least in the portion of the footage that has been made public.
Passenger gets caught vaping in plane restroom and plays victim pic.twitter.com/rmmZASBw4c
— Criminal Tube (@CriminalTube) August 5, 2025
While Passenger Nguyen initially framed the video as an example of mistreatment, some viewers questioned his behavior, particularly his decision to vape in the first place—a clear violation of airline regulations. In response to one Instagram user asking why he would vape on a flight, Nguyen seemingly admitted to doing so, commenting, “Nicotine withdrawal is real.”
That admission appears to confirm the core of the flight attendant’s suspicion and supports her reason for confronting him. However, many social media users remain divided—some sympathize with Nguyen’s feelings of being publicly embarrassed or physically violated, while others strongly criticize him for breaking airline rules and escalating the situation.
Airline Response
As of now, American Airlines has not released an official statement regarding the incident. HT.com has reached out to the airline for comment and will update this report when a response is received.
According to standard airline policy and FAA regulations, the use of electronic cigarettes or any vaping device is strictly prohibited on commercial flights. Violations can result in penalties, fines, or even a permanent ban from the airline. Opening the bathroom door mid-flight, especially if smoke or vapor is suspected, is a measure sometimes taken to ensure safety, although it can be controversial if not handled sensitively.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked a heated discussion online, particularly among those who viewed Nguyen’s post. Some have criticized American Airlines, questioning whether the flight attendant overstepped her bounds by opening the bathroom door and possibly attempting to take Nguyen’s phone. Others, however, firmly support the crew’s actions, pointing out the serious safety concerns posed by vaping on an aircraft.
“Regardless of how it played out, vaping on a plane is against the law,” wrote one Instagram user. “You put others at risk and then played the victim.” Another user commented, “It’s understandable to be upset, but filming a meltdown doesn’t exactly make your case stronger.”
Who Is Peter Nguyen?
Passenger Peter Nguyen is a self-described celebrity pickleball coach with a growing social media presence. Known for his energetic and sometimes provocative content, he has previously used his platform to speak out on various issues. This latest video, however, has gained far more attention than usual, drawing both support and criticism from thousands of viewers.
As the story continues to unfold and American Airlines prepares its official response, the incident stands as another example of the complex dynamics at play in high-pressure travel situations—especially when they collide with the ever-present lens of social media.
