Airbnb Bans Host For Alleged Discrimination After Calling Guest 'Asian'
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Airbnb says it has permanently banned a host in the Big Bear area for allegedly discriminating against a Riverside woman because of her ethnicity.
Spokesman Christopher Nulty said Airbnb does not condone discrimination and has removed the host from the Airbnb platform permanently.
Dyne Suh had booked a cabin on Airbnb in Running Springs for a weekend getaway with her friends.
When they were only a few minutes away from reaching their destination, the host abruptly cancelled their reservation, leaving them stranded in a snowstorm on Feb. 17, according to Suh.
She said when she notified the host that she was bringing two more guests and two dogs and would pay extra, the host went on a racist tirade.
According to Suh, the first two texts received read: "Go ahead. I wouldn't rent to u if u were the last person on earth. One word says it all. Asian."
When she threatened to report the host to Airbnb for the allegedly racist remarks, she says she then received texts that said: "Go ahead. It's why we have (T)rump. And I will not allow this country to be told what to do by foreigners."
Suh said on Facebook that "I just cried so hard. Mascara everywhere. Shaking still..."
According to Suh, the host is a college professor who teaches ESL.
Airbnb offered the group a reimbursement, and they were able to find another place to stay that night, Suh wrote on Facebook.