Video: Knee Defender James Beach Sorry for In-Flight Fight But Would Defend Knees Again

Last week, we told you about a spat during a flight to Colorado involving a woman and a man using Knee Defenders -- clips that prevent seats from reclining. Now, the man in question, James Beach, is telling his side of the story on the Today show. He says he...

By Michael Roberts

September 4, 2014

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Last week, we told you about a spat during a flight to Colorado involving a woman and a man using Knee Defenders -- clips that prevent seats from reclining. Now, the man in question, James Beach, is telling his side of the story on the Today show. He says he initially removed the Knee Defenders as requested, but tried to put them back on after the woman aggressively reclined, nearly breaking his laptop -- actions that led to a thrown drink and the jet being diverted to Chicago.

While Beach (who wasn't arrested or charged with a crime) is sorry for his behavior and wishes he'd done things differently, he says he might use the Knee Defenders again. Here's the Today show report.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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