Lawyer: Man Who Fell Off Cruise Ship Was 'Protesting' Anti-Gay Slurs

After Oasis of the Sea passenger Bernado Elbaz dropped from one of the cruise ship's balconies this weekend, speculation arose whether it was suicide or mere accident.

But the family's lawyer, Michael Winkleman, claims the ordeal came after crew members made homophobic comments—including "Hi, lipstick"—to Elbaz and his legal husband.

"Elbaz ended up in his cabin, where he is furious, and ultimately Royal Caribbean security comes on the scene," Winkleman claimed. "As a result of an altercation in his cabin, Bernardo ends up falling off his balcony."

Later, after reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses, Winkleman alleged that Elbaz ran to the balcony in hopes of making a bold statement to cruise staff members.

"He was merely just doing an act of protest at how he was being treated," attorney Winkleman told PEOPLE. "He was grandstanding. Yes, he intended to do something dramatic and he certainly put himself in a dangerous situation but I don't think there was any attempt to kill himself."

"Clearly he was drunk and put himself in a nightmare situation but I think it is clear that he did not jump," Winkleman continued. "Basically, he fell or slipped."

Winkleman also claimed that ship crew members didn't do much to rescue Elbaz, though the Royal Caribbean staff maintains their innocence in the situation.

"Our staff did not have a physical altercation with the guest and were unable to prevent his jumping from the stateroom balcony," the company released in an official statement. "Royal Caribbean is deeply saddened by this event. We will continue to provide assistance to the family as well as law enforcement," the statement concluded.