An Airbnb host threatened a Black college professor for leaving a four-star review on the company’s website after staying at an apartment in Vancouver, British Columbia, more than a week ago.
Dr. Alex Moore, an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, took to Twitter and recounted the terrifying experience by sharing a text message of the host, Brad, demanding her to take down the four-star review or the “fun begins,” Indy 100 reported.
Moore shared a screenshot of the text message: “I have your picture, your name and your number.”
“You have 48 hours to remove your review, or I’m hiring a private investigator to obtain your address, and then the fun begins. You’re blocked from messaging me at this number.”
Moore tweeted the conversation and tagged the company’s Twitter handle, asking why the host was still active on the site.
“In the interest of my own personal safety as well as public safety, @Airbnb @AirbnbHelp: Can you explain to me and everyone else why the host who sent me this message is still active on your platform? This person is clearly a threat and should not be allowed to host guests.”
In the interest of my own personal safety as well as public safety, @Airbnb @AirbnbHelp: Can you explain to me and everyone else why the host who sent me this message is still active on your platform? This person is clearly a threat and should not be allowed to host guests. pic.twitter.com/JJHA1mRwLQ
— Dr. Alex Moore (@Dr_AlexM) June 18, 2022
Moore’s followers were confused about why she received threats for leaving a positive review. However, she said her write-up of the property was positive and that she would “certainly” rebook in the future.
She shared a screenshot of her four-star review, stating, “I left a 4/5 review with a positive message, and the host has contacted me at my personal number with increasingly threatening text because my review brought their average rating down from a 5 to a 4.95.”
Moore reported the incident to the authorities and Airbnb and provided an update on her Twitter account.
“Quick update: The listing is still posted, but I just spoke with Vancouver PD, and they will be sending someone over to tell the host to leave me alone “or else.” They may also revoke his license to participate in house-share programs. Fingers crossed,” she tweeted.
I have already contacted local authorities, but beyond protecting myself, @Airbnb @AirbnbHelp has an obligation to the public to act. Their listing is still active as of this posting and should be taken down immediately. pic.twitter.com/YVzhvj9oNh
— Dr. Alex Moore (@Dr_AlexM) June 18, 2022
Then, someone from Airbnb contacted her to apologize for her experience and that someone would be handling the matter.
On Sunday morning, Moore said Airbnb removed the listing from the website.
“It’s confirmed that his listing has been taken down! I will continue to follow up with @AirbnbHelp regarding next steps.” she tweeted.
It’s confirmed that his listing has been taken down! I will continue to follow up with @AirbnbHelp regarding next steps. Thank you all again for amplifying this and sharing your stories to help keep others safe. Muting this and restricting comments for my sanity. Stay safe!
— Dr. Alex Moore (@Dr_AlexM) June 19, 2022
She then provided a final update from the company.
PSA: It looks like the listing is back up and I have yet to hear back from @Airbnb @AirbnbHelp about what they plan to do (if anything). I won't be updating this thread further, but for anyone traveling to Vancouver and in need of affordable accommodations – avoid this host.
— Dr. Alex Moore (@Dr_AlexM) June 20, 2022
When a user asked if she would be refunded her money, she said, “I’m still trying to sort that part out, but my priority was definitely to make sure he couldn’t host others.”
The outlet obtained a statement from Airbnb stating, “After a thorough investigation during which the Host was suspended, we’ve now removed the Host and their listing entirely from Airbnb in accordance with our community policies. We’re thankful to Dr. Moore for bringing this to our attention.”
