On May 17, 2016, an African-American man whose request for accommodations through Airbnb was rejected because of his race, brought this lawsuit on his own behalf and on behalf of all others similarly situated, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He sued Airbnb under Title II of ...
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On May 17, 2016, an African-American man whose request for accommodations through Airbnb was rejected because of his race, brought this lawsuit on his own behalf and on behalf of all others similarly situated, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He sued Airbnb under Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. § 1981, alleging that the he, and all others similarly situated, had been injured by the pertinent discriminatory acts or practices committed by Airbnb's host agents, representatives, and servants. Specifically, the plaintiff alleged that while planning a trip to Philadelphia, PA, he tried to use the housing accommodation service known as Airbnb but was told by an agent of Airbnb that the accommodation he was interested in was no longer available. However, the plaintiff soon found out that the accommodation was in fact still available, and after creating two fake accounts, one of a Black man and one of a White man, he found that the Airbnb host only offered the accommodation to the White individual.
Represented by Emejuru & Nyomnbi L.L.C., the plaintiff asked for judgment and damages including compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages, and attorney's fees. On May 20, 2016, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint which also alleged a violation of the Fair Housing Act.
On July 13, 2016, the defendant filed a motion to compel arbitration and dismiss the case. In a November 1, 2016 opinion, U.S. District Court Judge found that Selden entered into a valid and enforceable arbitration agreement with Airbnb, and therefore granted Airbnb's motion to compel arbitration and stay the case. On November 7, 2016, the plaintiff filed a motion for certification for interlocutory appeal, which the court denied on Dec. 19. On Feb. 2, 2017, the Circuit Court dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction, and subsequently denied rehearing en banc. The plaintiff then appealed to the Supreme Court, which denied cert. on Oct. 2, 2017.
Arbitration is ongoing.
Saeeda Joseph-Charles - 12/17/2016
Virginia Weeks - 02/22/2018
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