An Instagram influencer turned a routine Phoenix-to-San Francisco flight into a viral spectacle after he was caught vaping in the airplane bathroom — and then filmed himself confronting the flight crew.
Kobe Peter “Twoey King” Nguyen, 32, a self-described celebrity pickleball coach and agent, posted the tense exchange online, igniting a storm of backlash.
The confrontation began on August 4 when a flight attendant accused Nguyen of using a vape pen in the lavatory — a violation of federal law that can lead to fines of up to $4,000 and possible criminal charges.
“You were opening the door while I was on the toilet,” Nguyen fired back in the video, accusing the crew member of barging in.
The attendant kept her cool, telling him smoking of any kind is a “hazard” that endangers the entire cabin. Nguyen apologized but continued to push the issue, repeatedly claiming she had “put her hands” on him while trying to stop him from recording.
“Did you just put your hands on me? She just put her hands on me,” he said to passengers nearby, his phone camera rolling.
Another flight attendant jumped in to defend her colleague, saying, “She did not touch you.” Nguyen insisted otherwise and issued a threat.
“I have 25,000 followers that are going to watch this. Do you want me to release this or say sorry right now?”
The crew stood firm. Moments later, Nguyen raised the stakes again.
“You do not put your hands on a passenger. You assaulted me. Everybody, she assaulted me,” he shouted as he walked down the aisle, filming.
The drama didn’t end in the air. Upon landing in San Francisco, police officers met the plane at the gate. American Airlines confirmed Nguyen was escorted off for “disruptive behavior.”
In a statement to the press, the airline thanked passengers for their patience and reminded travelers that vaping on board is strictly prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration — a rule in place since 1990, long before the vape era.
Nguyen later admitted to taking “one puff” of his vape in the bathroom, but said the incident was “deeply distressing — emotionally, professionally, and financially.” He also denied being blacklisted from future flights.
Critics online weren’t sympathetic. Commenters accused him of manufacturing the confrontation for clicks. Aviation attorney Michael Ferris told us that in today’s post-pandemic, high-tension travel climate, crew members are under strict orders to treat any sign of smoking seriously.
“A vape can start a fire just as easily as a cigarette. The cabin is no place for an ego trip,” Ferris said.
Under President Trump’s second term, the FAA has signaled it will crack down harder on disruptive passenger incidents — especially those involving potential safety violations. Repeat offenders can face lifetime bans and, in extreme cases, federal prison time.
As for Nguyen, his 25,000 followers have now turned into millions of views — but not for the reasons he might have hoped.
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There is no such thing as a celebrity pickleball coach and agent. A far better description of him is a crackpot. Possibly a result of inbreeding somewhere along the family tree line. Not saying that for certain – just posing it as a possibility.
He should have been arrested by Air Marshalls, taken into custody at the airport, charged and allowed release on bail with a schedule court appearance where the proper sentencing is made: Fines and jail!
This entitled idiot should be arrested and banned from all future flights .
Throw the Douchebag in jail, All
I heard was she touched me She touched me she put her hands on me, want a dick, Why don’tyou get a real job, Grow a pair of besomebody,