Airbnb Host Sued After Sending Pics Of Guest With Another Woman To His Wife
19 Feb 2024
An Airbnb host is being sued after sending a photo to a guest’s wife that showed him with another woman.
Part of an alleged extortion attempt, sparked by a bad review left by guest Shawn Mackay after he was nearly kicked out from the Airbnb on allegations of ‘disruptive’ behaviour.
Super host Pamela Fohler wrote to Mackay saying: “I am very sorry, but you have violated the no party rule, disturbed my neighbours by cursing and yelling in the parking lot, and have unauthorised guests,”
“I am asking you to leave now. I can’t allow you to stay, I am sorry.”
Mackey checked out, put in a request for a refund for $502.46, and left the negative review.
But then AirBnB removed the review and sent him a bill for $960 which included an “additional guest fine” of $160, two fines of $250 for “breaking rules against local guests” and “excessive noise”, and one $300 fine for “moderation of your review”.
Fohler also sent Mackey a picture taken from the property’s doorbell camera which showed him with a woman who is not his wife.
According to the suit, she wrote: “Hello Shawn, hope you are well. Sorry it took so long to get the photos you requested together to show your stay at our home.
“But I had faith, was driven by integrity, so I committed to get these posted for you and Airbnb.
“Photo at 3:16 am is especially notable. Should I forward the photos and videos to Teresa, or will you?”
When Mackey still refused to pay she went on to send the picture to Mackey’s wife.
AirBnB has responded by filing a motion to compel arbitration, and Fohler has filed a motion to dismiss, with Mackey having until February 21 to respond.