Briohny Smyth claims a 1.5-inch shard “became lodged” in her throat mid-flight

NEED TO KNOW

• Briohny Smyth claims a wooden splinter from a chicken skewer caused vocal cord damage on a Singapore Airlines flight
• The former child pop star, now 44, says the injury has impacted her career as a singer, wellness coach and public speaker
• Smyth is seeking damages for medical expenses and lost earnings after allegedly experiencing lasting throat discomfort and trauma

A former child pop star is suing Singapore Airlines in federal court after a “splintered” chicken skewer allegedly caused severe damage to her vocal chords.

Briohny Smyth, 44, filed a civil complaint against the carrier in the U.S. District Court of Central California on July 24, according to a complaint obtained by PEOPLE, first reported on by The Independent. In the lawsuit, the passenger claims she suffered “severe pain, violent coughing” and “choking distress” after she unknowingly swallowed a “jagged wooden splinter” that had broken off a skewer. 

The Los Angeles County resident claims she was on board Singapore Airlines’ flight SQ36 from Singapore to Los Angeles on July 28, 2024. During business class meal service on the international flight, Smyth claims she was served a chicken satay on a wooden skewer.

However, while consuming the meal, the splinter allegedly “became lodged” in her throat, causing immediate pain and choking sensations. She reportedly experienced “substantial pain and emotional distress while attempting to expel” the 1.5 inch shard. 

After the incident, Smyth allegedly experienced “persistent throat discomfort, vocal fatigue, raspiness, tightness and pain with prolonged speaking and singing.” 

An evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) allegedly identified scarring and trauma to Smyth’s vocal cords consistent with injury from a sharp foreign object. She claims she continued to undergo evaluation and treatment for the injuries. 

Smyth is demanding 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. 

According to the complaint, as a professional singer, performer, wellness coach and public speaker, Smyth’s “livelihood substantially depends on the integrity and performance of her voice.” 

At the age of 13, Smyth had an album reach platinum status in Thailand, according to The Independent. She now teaches yoga classes in L.A and went viral in a 2011 video for Equinox. 

In a July 24, 2024 Instagram post — just two weeks before the alleged injuries — the performer reflected on her first time singing publicly in 10 years. In the caption, she mentioned she performed with her son on the drums and her daughter “by my side.” 

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PEOPLE has reached out to Smyth’s attorneys and Singapore Airlines for comment. 

In an email, the carrier told The Independent the company “is unable to comment on pending litigation.”

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