Racist Airbnb host ordered to take Asian American studies after leaving guest out in the cold

Twenty- six year old Dyne Suh and her friends were left stranded after their $250 a night booking was cancelled at the last minute because of her 'Asian' heritage.

Dyne Suh

Dyne Suh was left in tears after having her Airbnb cancelled Source: YouTube

Tami Barker, a Californian Airbnb host, has been fined US $5000 ($6462 AUD) in racial damages by the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

She has also been ordered to take a course in Asian American studies after cancelling her host house at the last minute because her guest was Asian.

Ms Barker and Ms Suh got into a heated text exchange on the night of the cancellation with the Airbnb host messaging: “I wouldn’t rent to u if u were the last person on earth… One word says it all. Asian.”

Ms Suh, a law clerk, filed a complaint to Airbnb which under a Californian agreement the company had to take action. 

Airbnb arrived out their own investigation into the matter which resulted in Ms Barker being banned.

She is also being made to personally apologise to Ms Suh, undertake community service with a civil rights organisation and take part in community education panel and comply with anti- discrimination laws.

You're 'insanely high'

In April Ms Suh posted a video on Youtube revealing all the messages between the two women.

“And I will not allow this country to be told what to do by foreigners,” one message says.

Ms Barker brought Donald Trump into the fight and claimed: “It’s why we have trump.”
Ms Suh had booked a cabin in Big Bear, California - a popular ski location for her and her friends. The group paid $250 per night.

Ms Suh had asked Ms Barker if more friends could come, she claims Ms Barker agreed to an additional $50 per night.

However, as Ms Suh and her friends approached the cabin, Ms Barker cancelled the reservation and claimed Ms Suh was “insanely high,' and a “con artist” forever thinking so many people could stay at her house for such a low price.

A representative for Ms Barker said in a statement she is happy to have resolved the matter.

“While regretful for her impetuous actions and comments made on the evening of Feb. 17, 2017, Miss Barker is pleased to have resolved her claims with Miss Dyne Suh, and the DFEH in a manner that can hopefully bring a positive outcome out of an unfortunate incident.”

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3 min read
Published 14 July 2017 2:35pm
Source: SBS World News


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