Actress and author Jenny Mollen, known for her candid social media presence, recently found herself at the center of controversy after revealing she discovered head lice during a flight from Los Angeles to New York City. The incident, shared on her Instagram account, has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about in-flight health protocols.

In a video posted on October 29, Mollen, 45, recounted how she initially attributed her itchy scalp to perimenopause symptoms. It wasn’t until a fellow passenger examined her head mid-flight that she realized she had lice. Visibly distressed, Mollen improvised by covering her hair with a plastic bag from the airplane’s headphone packaging. “I can’t even deal,” she said incredulously. This is insane, you guys. This is insane. We have a five-hour flight.”

The revelation prompted a flurry of reactions on social media. Many criticized Mollen for potentially exposing other passengers to lice, with comments like, “You shouldn’t be on a plane and that bag should be covering ALL your hair!!!” and “That’s disgusting. You’re going to spread that all over the plane.”

The following day, Mollen provided an update, revealing that her home was “infested with lice.” She detailed the family’s efforts to address the issue, mentioning that her husband, actor Jason Biggs, had minimal lice presence, while their children had full infestations. Mollen clarified that she was unaware of the lice before boarding the plane and expressed regret over the situation.”

This incident highlights the challenges of dealing with unexpected health issues in public settings and underscores the importance of awareness and prompt action to prevent potential spread. While Mollen’s transparency offers a candid glimpse into her personal life, it also serves as a reminder of the responsibilities individuals bear in communal environments, especially during travel.