Gay Couple Suing Airline for Taping a Sex Toy to Their Luggage [POLL]

Couple Says the Toy Was Removed From Their Bag and Taped to It to Humiliate Them Because They're Gay

A Virginia couple returning from a getaway to Costa Rica says they were intentionally humiliated by United Continental Airlines when they arrived at the airport in Norfolk and found that a sex toy had been removed from their luggage and taped to the top of it.

The dildo had also been covered with a smelly substance, the couple says, before being placed on a luggage carousel, where they had to retrieve it in front of other passengers.

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Martin Borger, one half of the couple, told NBC News, "I was absolutely and utterly shocked and embarrassed and humiliated, and I didn't even know what to do at the time."

Added Christopher Bridgeman, Borger's boyfriend, "I absolutely, fervently believe that this was intentional. It was very sick and it was very wrong and it was just maliciously taped to the top and targeted because we're gay."

Borger and Bridgeman have filed a lawsuit against United Continental for the "extreme and outrageous" 2011 incident, and are seeking damages from the Texas-based company for intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and negligence.

Meanwhile, a United spokesperson (United merged with Continental in 2010) tells NBC News the company conducted an investigation and found no evidence of foul play.

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"United does not tolerate discrimination of any kind," the spokesperson Christen David said. "We will vigorously defend ourselves and our employees."

She also said the airline had offered the men a "gesture of goodwill" when they initially reported the incident, which, understandably, did not make them feel much better, and they declined it.

Borger and Bridgeman's attorney says the couple is seeking mental anguish damages, lawyer fees, expenses and other compensation, and that the duo was so traumatized by the incident that they don't travel a lot anymore.

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