former child pop star sues airline over vocal cord-damaging ‘splintered’ chicken skewer
2 minute read
we apologize, but this video has failed to load.
try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
see more toronto sun on google — save as a preferred source
a former pop star is suing singapore airlines claiming a “splintered” skewer ruined her vocal cords and, thus, her singing voice.
briohny smyth, 44, said she suffered “severe pain, violent coughing” and “choking distress” after she unknowingly swallowed a “jagged wooden splinter” that had broken off a chicken satay skewer, according to her civil complaint filed in the u.s. district court of central california on july 24.
the los angeles county resident was in business class on singapore airlines’ flight sq36 from singapore to los angeles on july 28, 2024, when the incident happened, according to the complaint obtained by the independent.
her alleged injuries
smyth detailed that while eating the chicken satay, the splintered stick “became lodged” in her throat, which caused her “substantial pain and emotional distress while attempting to expel” the 1.5-inch wooden remnant.
the now-yoga instructor alleges she experienced “persistent throat discomfort, vocal fatigue, raspiness, tightness and pain with prolonged speaking and singing” following the incident.
smyth underwent testing by an ent specialist who allegedly determined that she suffered scarring and trauma to her vocal cords consistent with injury from a sharp foreign object.
she claimed in the lawsuit that she continues to undergo evaluation and treatment for the alleged injuries.
smyth, who, at the age of 13, had a platinum record in thailand, noted in the complaint that her livelihood as a professional singer, performer, wellness coach and public speaker “substantially depends on the integrity and performance of her voice.”
briohny smyth, a thai pop star at 13. (instagram)
briohny smyth
/
instagram
call it a comeback
two weeks before she was allegedly injured, the yoga teacher reflected on her first time singing publicly in a decade.
advertisement
“after a 10-year hiatus since my last concert and 25 years after my first album release, i decided to step back into the spotlight,” she wrote in a lengthy instagram post on july 14, 2024.
“despite numerous opportunities and invitations from my record label, fear held me back. i dreaded that people would discover i couldn’t sing and was overwhelmed by the preparation required.”
former child pop star-turned-yoga instructor briohny smyth during comeback performance in 2024. (instagram)
briohny smyth
/
instagram
she detailed: “at first, i doubted my abilities, haunted by the trauma around singing. through my lessons, i realized this journey was about more than just learning technique — it was about shedding the negative beliefs that i lacked talent.”
smyth added: “this journey has reconnected me with my past in a healing and fun way. facing my fears with compassion and kindness has been transformative. it has reminded me that the most impactful lessons come from overcoming challenging obstacles.”
the former pop star is requesting a trial by jury, and is seeking damages for past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings and general damages in an amount to be determined in court.
singapore airlines said in a statement to the independent that the carrier “is unable to comment on pending litigation.”
recommended video
share story
