NFL kicker Brandon McManus is accused of sexually harassing two flight attendants during a team charter flight

Two women have filed a lawsuit against NFL kicker Brandon McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars. They accuse the athlete of sexually harassing them during a team flight to London last year.

The women, who worked as flight attendants for Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, claim McManus rubbed himself against them and tried to kiss one of them while they were working on a team-chartered flight from Florida to England on September 28.

McManus was a kicker for the Jaguars back then, today he plays for the Washington Commanders.

The civil suit, filed in Duval County, Florida, seeks more than $1 million in damages. A lawyer for McManus called the allegations “demonstrably false” and said the athlete would fight to clear his name “by showing what these allegations really are – an extortion attempt.”

The Jacksonville Jaguars have said they are aware of the allegations and are investigating the case. “It must be emphasized that we insist on an organization built by people who represent our community and our game with the highest character and class,” the team said in a statement to NBC News affiliate station WTLV in Jacksonville.

Party on the plane, unwanted groping

The flight to London turned into a party for McManus and some of his teammates, according to the lawsuit. The athlete recruited three flight attendants (who are no longer employed by Atlas Air) to attend the party, “and handed out $100 bills to encourage them to drink and dance inappropriately for him,” the lawsuit says.

The plaintiffs – identified only as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II – said they did not attend the party.

McManus allegedly “repeatedly targeted Jane Doe I,” apparently because she did not want to participate, the filing says.

He targeted her as she sat buckled into her jump seat after the pilot informed her that seat belts were required for everyone on board because of turbulence, the lawsuit says. She felt “uncomfortable” in McManus’ presence, and he “leaned over to kiss Jane Doe I,” the lawsuit says.

She raised her hand and told him to go away, and he complied, the lawsuit says. He continued to approach her and twice grabbed her and rubbed against her so she could feel his erection, the lawsuit says.

In the lawsuit, she stated that the alleged incident occurred while she was serving in-flight meals to other passengers.

She froze and made eye contact with “another Jaguars player who appeared embarrassed by his teammate’s behavior,” the complaint states.

The second alleged incident occurred later when he approached her from behind, “firmly grabbed her by the waist and rubbed his clothed but erect penis against her several times,” the lawsuit states.

“Both incidents were unprovoked, unwanted and reprehensible,” the file states.

The lawsuit accuses McManus of behaving in the same way toward a second woman while she was serving the flight’s second meal.

The woman was unable to move because she was in the galley aisle and carrying a full tray, the lawsuit states.

The woman turned around and confronted McManus, but “he just grinned and walked away,” the complaint says, leaving her “humiliated and embarrassed.”

“The sexual misconduct occurred in front of plaintiffs’ professional colleagues and high-profile clients. Plaintiffs were extremely distressed, embarrassed, and fearful that their careers were in jeopardy,” the complaint states.

McManus’ alleged conduct caused the women “severe emotional distress and career problems,” including fear and distrust when dealing with male customers while on the job, the lawsuit says. Both women were removed from the “core crew” of Jaguars flights – “something both plaintiffs worked hard for,” the lawsuit says.

It was her first and last flight with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the file says.

The lawsuit accuses McManus of assault and sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence and gross negligence on the part of the Jaguars for failing to “enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding inappropriate conduct” and failing to provide a safe environment for the personnel who serve them.

The women are seeking a jury trial.

Lawyer describes allegations as a “smear campaign”

A lawyer for McManus, Brett R. Gallaway, denied the women’s allegations.

“To be clear, these are absolutely fabricated and demonstrably false allegations made as part of a campaign to defame and disparage a talented and respected NFL player,” he said in a statement. “We intend to vigorously defend Brandon’s rights and integrity and clear his name.”

The Washington Commanders said in a statement on Monday that they had been informed of the lawsuit filed on May 24.

“We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are investigating the matter. We are in contact with the league office and Brandon’s representative and will refrain from further comment at this time,” the team said.

Tony Buzbee, an attorney representing the two women, said on Instagram that before filing the lawsuit, the women and their attorneys tried to resolve the case “without going to trial,” but “our efforts to resolve the case were met with arrogance, ignorance and stupidity.”

“The allegations made in this lawsuit are very serious. We thoroughly reviewed them and spoke to witnesses before we even accepted the cases,” he said. “We will pursue this case with the same tenacity we are known for… These women were simply trying to do their jobs!”