Dunno,

I think theres more to the story then the flight crew didn't want to de-ice and the cabin crew did.

From what I have read elsewhere the FAA investigated the incident and no action was taken against anyone.

My thought would be for a slander/Libel lawsuit to have a chance of success....something else had to have occurred.

If the cabin crew...upon returning to base...informed everyone that the FO was the dumbest SOB alive and unsafe...if they proceeded to tell that to everyone that would listen....well then you may have something.

I don't think the lawsuit has anything to do with the "event" and probably everything to do with what went on AFTER the event.

The lawsuit mentions it was 2003 when the "event" took place...and 2006 when the lawsuit was filed.

Lots of time for things to be said and done. I think your dealing with human emotions, ego's, and rivalry's not a safety of flight issue.

I seriously doubt the cabin crew are being sued for speaking up DURING the "event". I'm betting they are being sued for not shutting up AFTER the "event".

I'm sure some will disagree and this is by no means a negative reflection on cabin crew.

For example: If flight crew were maliciously spreading a story about "jane" the F/A who gets wild on overnights...I'd be the first to say hang on...what the hell? If "jane" sued she'd be well within her rights to do so.

By the same token I believe its down right silly to ignore the advise of any crew member.