A self-proclaimed “celebrity pickleball coach,” Peter “Kobe” Nguyen, has pushed back against the backlash following an in-flight vaping incident that went viral.
During a flight from Phoenix to San Francisco on August 4, Nguyen was caught vaping in the airplane lavatory—violating both federal aviation rules and American Airlines policy. The situation escalated when he accused a flight attendant of assault after she allegedly opened the bathroom door while he was inside and attempted to take his phone as he filmed their confrontation. Following the drama, San Francisco police escorted him off the aircraft upon landing.
On social media, Nguyen claimed his privacy and dignity were violated by the incident, describing it as deeply distressing and damaging to his mental health and professional reputation. He revealed that the fallout has affected his work, including his roles as a CEO, nonprofit founder, and Hollywood producer. Nguyen also stated that he has reached out to American Airlines’ legal team and plans to pursue accountability—not just for himself, but to ensure no other passenger faces a similar ordeal.
This latest statement marks a reversal from his earlier apology on Fox 10 Phoenix, where Nguyen had expressed regret, citing nicotine withdrawal and regret over his vaping. In that appearance, he acknowledged there was “no excuse” for his behavior.
Broadly, the incident has sparked widespread criticism online, with many calling his reaction self-indulgent and deserving of official sanctions or even a no-fly designation. Nguyen defended himself, stating he’s not on any no-fly list and continues to contest the events as an infringement on his rights as a passenger.