Singer Sues Singapore Airlines Over Satay Skewer Injury

Singapore Airlines has been sued by singer Briohny Smyth, who alleges that a wooden fragment from a chicken satay skewer served in Business Class became lodged in her throat and damaged her vocal cords.

The incident reportedly occurred on July 28, 2024, aboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ36, operated by an Airbus A350-900ULR from Singapore to Los Angeles. Smyth claims that while eating the chicken satay, a sharp wooden splinter measuring approximately 3.8 centimetres broke off the skewer and became embedded in her throat.

According to the lawsuit, the incident caused sudden pain, severe coughing and a choking sensation. Smyth later experienced hoarseness, vocal fatigue and pain while speaking and singing. Medical examinations allegedly found trauma and scarring on her vocal cords.

In the lawsuit filed in federal court in Los Angeles on July 24, 2026, Smyth is seeking compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, professional harm and emotional distress.

Singapore Airlines declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.