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Celebrity Cruises Sued by Crewmember Over Alleged Sexual Assault Aboard the Constellation
Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Celebrity Cruises by Crewmember Under Jones Act and Maritime Law
In the case M.B. v. Celebrity Cruises, Inc. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21231), a female crewmember has filed a federal lawsuit against Celebrity Cruises, alleging she was sexually assaulted aboard the Celebrity Constellation on August 3–4, 2023. The plaintiff, identified only by her initials due to the sensitive nature of the case, was employed as a revenue and marketing director and is a Serbian citizen.
The lawsuit, filed on March 14, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, brings claims under the Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104) and general maritime law, including unseaworthiness. The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $75,000 for physical and psychological injuries stemming from an alleged non-consensual sexual encounter involving a fellow crewmember—a restaurant manager referred to as “M.M.”
Allegations of Cruise Ship Sexual Assault and Corporate Mishandling of Onboard Safety Protocols
According to the complaint, the incident occurred during a late-night crew party aboard the Constellation. The plaintiff alleges she consumed alcohol and later fell asleep in the stateroom of a bar manager. Upon waking, she discovered M.M. engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with her. Due to intoxication and unconsciousness, the plaintiff states she was incapable of giving consent or resisting.
Key allegations include:
- Celebrity security investigated the incident and initially removed M.M. from the Constellation.
- Rather than terminating M.M., Celebrity allegedly reassigned him to another vessel, the Celebrity Infinity.
- The plaintiff claims to have encountered M.M. again in port, intensifying her trauma.
Jones Act Negligence Claims Cite Celebrity’s Failure to Prevent Sexual Assault of Employee Onboard Cruise Ship
Under the Jones Act, cruise line employers must provide a safe working environment for seafarers. The complaint alleges negligence in hiring, supervision, and policy enforcement, including:
- Failing to train crew on sexual misconduct prevention.
- Not implementing adequate security or surveillance systems.
- Failing to intervene or monitor crew behavior during after-hours socializing.
- Employing and retaining M.M. despite alleged known or discoverable risks.
The plaintiff asserts Celebrity had either actual or constructive knowledge of M.M.’s risk of misconduct and failed to act to protect her and others onboard.
Unseaworthiness Claim Alleges Inadequate Security and Unsafe Working Environment for Female Crewmembers
The complaint also brings a general maritime law claim for unseaworthiness, asserting that the Constellation was not fit for its intended purpose due to a dangerous crew environment. The plaintiff alleges:
- Inadequate deployment of trained security personnel.
- Poorly placed or monitored video surveillance systems.
- Systemic lack of policies protecting crew from sexual harassment or assault.
- Reassignment of known offenders rather than termination.
The ship’s unsafe condition, according to the complaint, includes both the failure to ensure crew fitness and the lack of safety protocols designed to protect against foreseeable harm.
Psychological and Financial Impact of Cruise Ship Assault and Ongoing Trauma From Employer Inaction
The plaintiff alleges long-term consequences from the assault, including:
- Emotional and psychological distress, including PTSD and anxiety.
- Permanent impairment and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Medical and mental health treatment expenses.
- Lost earnings and diminished earning capacity.
- Continued distress upon learning her assailant remained employed by the same cruise line.
The lawsuit states the plaintiff’s trauma was worsened by Celebrity’s decision to reassign her alleged attacker, which created an ongoing risk of further encounters.
Victims of Sexual Assault on Cruise Ships May Have Legal Remedies Under Maritime Law
Crewmembers and passengers alike have rights under U.S. maritime law. If you or someone you know has suffered sexual assault aboard a cruise ship, legal remedies may be available under the Jones Act, general maritime law, or federal negligence standards. Contact a maritime attorney with experience in cruise ship assault litigation to understand your rights and pursue justice.