Airbnb Host Faces Lawsuit for Alleged Racial Discrimination Against Black Guest
Airbnb host who offered stay in 'peaceful WHITE neighborhood' is slapped with lawsuit for rejecting black guest
Image: Mail Online
Sharona Stewart has filed a federal lawsuit against George Yu Shihfang, an Airbnb host in Dunwoody, Georgia, for allegedly discriminating against her based on race. Stewart claims her reservation was canceled after Shihfang learned she was Black, and she reported discriminatory language in the listing. Airbnb has removed the host from its platform.
- 01Sharona Stewart alleges she was discriminated against when her reservation was canceled after the host learned she was Black.
- 02The Airbnb listing described the property as located in a 'peaceful white neighborhood.'
- 03The lawsuit claims Airbnb failed to adequately address the discrimination despite prior complaints.
- 04Stewart is seeking various damages, including emotional distress and loss of housing opportunity.
- 05Airbnb has stated that discrimination is unacceptable and removed the host from its platform.
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Sharona Stewart has initiated a federal lawsuit against George Yu Shihfang, an Airbnb host in Dunwoody, Georgia, alleging racial discrimination after her reservation was canceled upon the host discovering her race. Stewart claims that Shihfang, a so-called 'superhost', asked her racially charged questions before canceling her booking for a six-bedroom property. The listing, which was later removed, referred to the area as a 'peaceful white neighborhood,' raising concerns about discriminatory practices. Stewart's complaint also names Airbnb, accusing the company of failing to take action despite being notified of the discriminatory advertisement. The lawsuit cites violations of the US Fair Housing Act and claims that Stewart experienced emotional distress and humiliation due to the incident. She is seeking damages to be determined by a jury, along with attorney fees. An Airbnb spokesperson confirmed the removal of the host, emphasizing that discrimination is not tolerated on their platform.
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The case highlights ongoing issues of racial discrimination in rental practices, potentially affecting how hosts and platforms like Airbnb manage listings and bookings.
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