By Holli Sills for Noirbnb Media.
In a recent and unsettling incident, Golden Globe nominee Fantasia encountered what she describes as “racial profiling” at an Airbnb property. This distressing experience unfolded during what was meant to be a joyous occasion – a birthday sleepover for her son, Dallas, marking his 12th birthday.
Fantasia, fresh from an extensive press run for her new film, “The Color Purple,” sought a well-deserved break with her family. The Airbnb booking was meant to be a joyous family retreat, but it quickly devolved into a situation fraught with disappointment and discrimination. The plan was simple: a cozy Airbnb stay to celebrate. However, what began as a heartwarming family gathering quickly soured into a nightmare. In the dead of night, amidst cold and rain, Fantasia and her children faced the unthinkable – being forced out of their Airbnb rental.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Fantasia shared her harrowing experience. The host, citing noise complaints, accused her of hosting a loud party, simply based on the presence of balloons and a game truck – standard fare for any child’s birthday. Despite adhering to guest limits, the family was unjustly targeted.
My stomach is so uneasy this morning as I’m riding back to my home in the cold and rain. I don’t say much when people do me wrong, but I can’t stay quiet on how my family and I were just treated from a host with @Airbnb @airbnbhelp trying to kick my kids and I out at 12:00…
— Fantasia Taylor (@TasiasWord) December 17, 2023
The property, boasting amenities like a fire pit, jacuzzi, and game room, clearly catered to gatherings while the remnants of previous parties were evident of similar events, yet Fantasia’s family gathering was singled out. She couldn’t help but conclude that their treatment was rooted in racial profiling.
Taking to social media, Fantasia expressed her discomfort and frustration, pointing to “racial profiling” as the root cause of their unfair treatment.
This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles people of color face in spaces that should be welcoming and safe. It underscores a painful reality: the need for dedicated platforms that understand and cater to the unique experiences of travelers of color.
Here, at Noirbnb, we provide a sanctuary for Black travelers and people of color. Our mission is simple yet profound: to create a better travel experience for people of color, offering safety, respect, and inclusivity.
At Noirbnb, we understand the nuances and challenges faced by our community. With over 600,000 properties listed on Club Noir, we ensure that travelers like Fantasia and her family can find welcoming spaces without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Our platform offers more than just accommodation; it’s a movement towards change, a step towards a world where travel is free from the shackles of racial bias.
Fantasia’s ordeal is a reminder of the work that lies ahead. It highlights the importance of platforms like Noirbnb in creating a world where every traveler can feel safe, respected, and valued. Noirbnb is not just a service; it’s a commitment to change, a promise of a future where travel is truly inclusive.
This incident underscores the critical need for platforms like Noirbnb – a sanctuary committed to creating safe and welcoming travel experiences, especially for people of color.
Be part of a community that stands for respect, quality, and safety in travel. Together, let’s create a world where no traveler ever has to endure what Fantasia and her family went through. Let your next travel story be one of joy, acceptance, and unforgettable memories with Noirbnb.
Noirbnb stands as a beacon of hope and safety in the travel industry. Founded with the mission to offer a better travel experience for Black people and people of color, Noirbnb goes beyond just accommodation. We understand the unique challenges faced by our community and strive to provide spaces where all travelers, especially those of color, can feel safe, respected, and valued.
With over 600,000 properties available on Club Noir, Noirbnb offers an extensive range of options for travelers seeking a space free from the fears of discrimination and racial profiling. We are dedicated to building a community of hosts and guests who share our values of respect, quality, service, and safety. Our platform is more than a service; it’s a commitment to change and inclusivity in the travel industry.
Fantasia’s experience is a powerful reminder of why Noirbnb exists. It’s a call to action for more inclusive, respectful travel experiences for everyone, particularly for those who have historically been marginalized.
At Noirbnb, we invite you to be part of a movement towards a more inclusive travel future. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, choose Noirbnb for an experience where respect and safety are paramount. Let’s work together to ensure that the travel stories of tomorrow are filled with joy, acceptance, and the beauty of diverse experiences.
Travel with Noirbnb, where every journey is a step towards a world of respectful and safe travel for all.
Following the incident, Airbnb issued a rather generic response following the claims made by Fantasia Barrino that a host in North Carolina racially profiled her family.
“Hi Fantasia, Airbnb does not condone discrimination in any way. You can view our Nondiscrimination Policy here: http://air.do/6014RrtEK Please send us a DM with the email address connected to your booking, so our team can follow up. Thank you,”.
Written by Noirbnb Experience Director Holli Sills, follow her on Instagram @just_holli
