Sydney Watson hits back at trolls after ‘fat flight’ nightmare

A woman who sparked controversy for calling out “obese” passengers on a flight has hit back at trolls who sent her violent threats.

A woman who sparked controversy for calling out “obese” passengers on a flight has hit back at trolls who sent her violent threats, saying the only thing they are fighting is “high cholesterol”.

Sydney Watson, an Australian-American political commentator, says obese people should be required to pay for two seats rather than risk the discomfort of others.

Ms Watson went viral after “rage tweeting” during an American Airlines flight between New York and Dallas, sharing pictures from the flight which show her visibly crammed between two larger passengers.

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Sydney Watson sparked controversy for calling out obese passengers on a flight.

“If you need a seat belt extender, you are TOO FAT TO BE ON A PLANE,” she tweeted while reportedly squished between a brother and sister.

American Airlines responded to her Twitter tirade, saying, “Our passengers come in all different sizes and shapes. We’re sorry you were uncomfortable on your flight”.

It later emailed her to apologise, offering a $150 credit for the trip she later disclosed was paid for by the media company, Vice.

Sydney Watson shared photos of her flight on Twitter, kicking off fierce debate.

She insisted “obese” people should have to pay extra to avoid discomfiting ‘regular’ people.

“I’d rather take the $150 American Airlines offered me as a refund and give it to someone who needs a PT or a gym membership,” she wrote.

Taking to Twitter, Ms Watson has shared screenshots of hateful messages she received.

One woman called her a “fat, ugly, disgusting f***” and told her to “rot in hell”.

Another threatened her on their Instagram stories, asking Ms Watson to “square up”.

“You beat my a**. I leave you alone. I beat your a** you shut the f*** up and stop spewing your f***ing revolting, uneducated vitriol for once and all,” she wrote.

Ms Watson replied, “Ma’am please. The only thing you’re fighting is high cholesterol.”

A third troll wrote, “Words can not describe how much I wish you didn’t have a platform to open your fat f***ing mouth ever again,” another person wrote. I can’t wait for the day you become a gross fat mom and we can all post photos of your body and make fun if it for millions to see. Go EAT THE BIGGEST FATTEST C***. F*** you S***dney.”

Oh. pic.twitter.com/dN4EnG823H

— Dr. Sydney Watson (@SydneyLWatson) October 22, 2022

Responding to one troll who called her “fat”, Ms Watson posted a photo of herself sitting on a bed wearing a low-cut black dress with the caption, “Oh.”

Ms Watson had earlier copped both criticism and support in the wake of the saga.

“I’ve been touched by tall people, muscular people, just about anyone who isn’t 5’4” and sitting clinging to themselves. Seats are what they are,” one response said.

“Well b***h, buy a first-class ticket or a private jet,” another wrote.

“Nothing she said was offensive. What’s offensive is expecting her to shut up as she’s squashed between two total strangers’ bodies,” another tweeted in support.

.@AmericanAir we need to talk. https://t.co/cZ73Y3Iu3r

— Dr. Sydney Watson (@SydneyLWatson) October 11, 2022

“People over a certain weight should be required to buy two seats. Enough,” another agreed.

But she has since claimed the airline effectively forced her into an “absurd” situation where strangers were unwantedly touching her.

“I don’t think it’s right ever to put a regular-sized person in a situation where they have their space encroached upon,” she told the Daily Mail, using the platform to air her thoughts on obesity and ‘fat acceptance’ more broadly.

Conservative commentator Sydney Watson has been given an airline credit after complaining about sitting between overweight people.

“The body positivity/fat acceptance movements have tried to harness this shame and do away with it,” Ms Watson said.

“Which is why you see so much of this “fat and proud” type of commentary from overweight people. Although I personally think that’s a “cope”.

“We absolutely need more truth in talking about this,” she said.

“More people die annually from obesity-related issues than malnutrition.”

The government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states 67 per cent of Australian adults are overweight (36 per cent) or obese (31 per cent).

In the US, one in three Americans are overweight, and two in five are considered obese.

Ms Watson suggested on her YouTube that airlines introduce, or better enforce, policies requiring large people to purchase an extra seat.

“Nobody wants to be touched like this – it’s not okay – it’s awful.”