Fantasia Shares Racial Bias Airbnb Incident in New Post
The Color Purple star, Fantasia Barrino revealed that she and her family experienced racial profiling while staying at an Airbnb rental.
The “When I See You Singer” wrote on X, “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 midnight.”
"At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you." – Denzel Washington
— Starr2897 (@Starr2897) December 17, 2023
Fantasia Barrino went live this morning to talk about ugly/evil situation at AirBnB she rented over the weekend for her son's birthday celebration. #FantasiaBarrino #FantasiaAirBnb pic.twitter.com/59kA89mxrQ
Barrino Golden Globe and Emmy nominee further shared that the host had accused her and her family of having a loud party just because they saw balloons and a game truck being dropped off. She also clarified that only the amount of guests they reserved the Airbnb for, stayed overnight.
The singer stated the rental was near a lake but did not specify where. “They never said we weren’t allowed to have any company over!! It’s evident from the sayings on the wall to the outdoor fire pit/jacuzzi and a well equipped game room in the garage/poker table that people Hosts parties and/or gatherings here on the lake often as there were weights with balloon ribbon left in the garage from a previous party at the house.”
The Airbnb was equipped with amenities to host parties. So, Barinno’s claims that this incident was racial profiling stands, as there were balloons from a previous party there. “It’s evident to me this was racial profiling and the treatment we received was due to the color of our skin,” she stated. “I wanted my son to enjoy his friends (10-12) year old and make him feel special as I have been traveling for the last 35+ days promoting a movie I starred in. This time, I dare not stay quiet.”
Hi Fantasia, Airbnb does not condone discrimination in any way. You can view our Nondiscrimination Policy here: https://t.co/6U6NcNnC7U Please send us a DM with the email address connected to your booking, so our team can follow up. Thank you. https://t.co/WCQEFGIlXC
— Airbnb Help (@AirbnbHelp) December 17, 2023
Several hours later, Airbnb’s support account on X addressed Barrino’s post, affirming that the company does not endorse any form of discrimination.
The account also provided a link to Airbnb’s nondiscrimination policy and requested the singer to “kindly send us a direct message with the email address linked to your booking, enabling our team to address the matter.” Barrino hasn’t further commented on this issue.
The singer has recently been touring for her film, The Color Purple along with cast members like Taraji P. Henson andDanielle Brooks. The three actresses sat down to talk about their film, and thier self-love journey with Glitter. Fans can watch Fantasia Barrino talking about her self-love journey here.
