An Airbnb host, known as @realpeteyb123, claimed that he was banned from the app due to posts on his social media account regarding Black women. He stated that he had never discriminated against guests of any ethnicity and had only manually approved guests to prevent partying in his rental properties. Despite being a superhost with 200+ positive reviews from guests of all ethnic backgrounds, he received a message from Airbnb informing him of his removal from the community based on his posts.
The message from Airbnb mentioned that @realpeteyb123’s removal was in line with the app’s community standards and policies to ensure a safe and respectable environment for users. All upcoming reservations were canceled, and arrangements were made to assist guests with relocating. The host expressed frustration that Airbnb did not allow him access to his account to retrieve past communications, reviews, and important tax documents for his business needs, emphasizing the importance of his company’s positive reviews and history.
While it remains unclear which specific posts led to the reported ban, @realpeteyb123 had shared stories on social media about interactions with Black American females, including incidents at one of his rental properties and a restaurant in Greece. In response to the ban, lawyer Harmeet K. Dhillon, representing the Republican National Committee, suggested that the host’s removal could be classified as an unfair business practice under California law. The situation raises questions about freedom of expression, discrimination, and the boundaries of acceptable behavior on social media platforms like Airbnb.
Airbnb’s website mentions that accounts could be deactivated for various reasons related to Community Policies and Terms of Service, as well as reports of violations of Community Standards. The app takes safety seriously and investigates reports of wrongdoing to take appropriate action. @realpeteyb123’s claim that he was banned due to his social media posts highlights the complexities of balancing free speech with maintaining a respectful and inclusive online community, particularly in the context of hosting services like Airbnb.
The host’s insistence that he did not discriminate against any guests and that his concern was preventing partying in his rental properties raises questions about the nuances of hosting responsibilities and potential biases in decision-making. The situation also underscores the importance of clear and transparent communication between users and platforms like Airbnb, as well as the need for accountability and fairness in addressing disputes and bans. Overall, the case involving @realpeteyb123 sheds light on the challenges of moderating online content and navigating issues related to race, discrimination, and business practices in the digital age.
