Bullies exist at all stages of life.
They’re not only walking around the schoolyard. Some people are unkind all their life.
Savannah Phillip’s been teased all her life. When traveling, she prefers to sit among empty seats. She’s worried others will judge.
“I’m not the biggest person on the airplane, but I’m not the smallest. My worst nightmare is someone being uncomfortable because they have to sit next to me.”
On a recent trip from Oklahoma City to Chicago, Savannah wasn’t able to sit alone.
She settled in next to an older man with yellow sunglasses.
The man, perhaps in his sixties, mentioned he was a comedian.
What he did next was no laughing matter.
From the start, Savannah knew she was in for a rough time.
“The flight attendant started the safety speech and he got his phone out (with huge font and the screen brightness turned all the way up). His phone was maybe 12 inches from my face and he proceeded to text someone that he was sitting next to ‘a smelly fatty.’”
Well, that’s certainly not cool. I’m actually kind of mad.
Understandably, his words cut Savannah like a knife.
She began to tear up.
I know he’s a comedian, but that’s not remotely funny.
Turns out, another passenger saw the entire exchange, including the message.
Meet Chase Irwin from Nashville, a fellow passenger. He began to record the exchange and posted it on Facebook with the following caption:
“This guy just text his wife that he is sitting next to a smelly fatty and is going to vomit. I watched her read his text and is now looking sad.”
Chase wasn’t going to let him get away with it.
He had an immediate reaction upon seeing Savannah’s tears.
So he stood up.
Chase tapped the man on the shoulder.
“Hey, I need to talk to you.”
He removed his headphones, confused. Chase continued,
“We are switching seats. Now.”
The man sat there, confused. Chase didn’t need to say much more.
“You are texting about her, and I’m not putting up with that.”
They quickly switched seats. Chase proceeded to put an arm around Savannah.
The new plane buddies sparked up some excellent conversation. Chase also offered some advice.
“He encouraged me not to let that guy get to me and that everything was going to be fine. We talked about Ross and the kids, his two year old son, our jobs, amongst other things.”
Savannah proceeded to thank Chase, her hero.
After posting about the experience on social media, the story blew up.
Inside Edition even gave the duo an interview.
Tons of people expressed their sentiments and support for Savannah online.
“Thank you Chase for [being] the gentleman and hero you are! Savannah you are beautiful and don’t let anyone tell you any different! Stay strong and always keep your head held high!!”
At the time, Savannah could have texted her husband saying, “Hey, I’m sitting next to an asshole.”
But she didn’t. She’s above that.
She’s kindhearted, by nature.
To others, although things started ugly, the end was incredibly inspiring.
“This story gives me hope that we can change the way we judge people by appearance. This man is such a wonderful example of how we as individuals may promote this change! Fantastic story!”
What do you think of Chase’s midair confrontation? How would you feel in Savannah’s position?
You can check out the entirety of Savannah’s original Facebook post below, detailing the entire set of events.
I am only sharing this story of what happened to me today in hopes that the person who stuck up for me will somehow be…
Posted by Savannah Phillips on Monday, May 14, 2018
Not many people have the guts to stand up to a bully.
Don’t forget to watch all of Savannah and Chase’s Inside Edition interview in the player below!
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