Airbnb bans North Carolina host when racial slur used against guest
CHARLOTTE, NC (WTVD) -- Airbnb says a host in North Carolina has been banned from the online room booking service after a prospective guest's reservations were canceled and she was called a racial slur.
WSOC-TV reports the unidentified black woman was initially approved for a room in Charlotte, but the host canceled. A friend of the woman posted an online message showing written comments purportedly from the host, calling the woman the N-word.
"This is the south, darling," the post said. "Find another place to rest your (expletive) head."
Airbnb spokeswoman Courtney O'Donnell said the company was "horrified" by the messages. She didn't say whether Airbnb verified they were genuine.
O'Donnell said Airbnb has offered the woman support, including a guarantee that she will have a safe place to stay.
Charlotte City Councilwoman Lawana Mayfield said she doesn't believe that the story, which made national headlines, will affect Charlotte's public image.
"At the end of the day, it doesn't say anything about the city of Charlotte," Mayfield said. "You don't let the actions of one individual reflect on the entire city, because we're an amazing city and we're a diverse city."
The Associated Press contributed to this story
