An Airbnb host has carried out an act of vengeance against a guest who broke several rules and owed money.
In a tale of twist, turns, betrayal and broken rules, the host and guest in this situation are now involved in a lawsuit submitted to the Mississippi District Court.
Airbnb superhost Pamela Fohler hosted Shawn Mackey at her house in Memphis, USA, described as 'Little bit more country' on the website.
Mackey booked his stay from 9 September to 11 September for himself and three others as part of a weekend reunion with old friends back in 2022.
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However, he notified host Fohler that a few other people would be coming around for dinner, but not staying the night.
Fohler told him this was okay, as long as he registered all additional guests.
Fohler also outlined the rules of the house to Mackey, which included no smoking/vaping, no excessive noise, parking in front of the garage door, no glass, food, drinks, or urinating in the pool and no skinny-dipping.
Mackey was finally reminded of the security cameras at the home that were in full operation during his stay.
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This is where it all went downhill.
When he arrived, he provided a dinner guest list of nine people with 'maybe a few more', and planned for four or five to stay over.
Fohler swiftly replied, saying that they could only 'accommodate a max of 8 guests, due to the 'city restrictions' and capacity and the home.
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She also said that there would now be an added cost for all guests.
After no reply, the super host reached out again, requesting that he register his guests or have them 'leave immediately.'
She mentioned that there were complaints of disturbances and profanities, eventually asking Mackey to leave after he had 'violated the no party rule'.
Fohler apologised, but said he could not stay.
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In the 22-page lawsuit, Mackey has claimed that all of this is untrue, saying that only one extra guest showed up in addition to the original four, denying accusations of profanities and partying.
After the host got back in touch with Mackey the next morning, he confirmed that he was on his way out, with her wishing him 'safe travels.'
Seems like an amicable ending, right?
Well, he then went to leave a scathing review, demanding a refund of $502.46, which was denied.
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The lawsuit alleges that Fohler 'began harassing' Mackey following the review, as she feared for her 'superhost' status on the app.
An Airbnb representative got in touch with Mackey in the days following, stating they would investigate the case, with the possibility of termination from the app.
Mackey also claims that Fohley messaged him on 17 September with photos of him with another woman, despite being married, and sent them to his wife.
It read: "Hello Shawn, hope you are well. Sorry it took so long to get the photos you requested together to show your stay at our home. But I had faith, was driven by integrity, so I committed to get these posted for you and Airbnb. Photo at 3:16 AM is especially notable. Should I forward the photos and videos to [Mackey's wife] Teresa, or will you?"
He alleges that she threatened to put them on YouTube as well.
Mackey was then billed $960 (£764) for breaking house rules and for inviting extra guests.
He also alleges that she made a fake email account to send the photo to his wife with the subtle subject 'nice bag'.
Mackey claims he was not backed by Airbnb at all, with the suit claiming that:
"The plaintiff's marriage has suffered as a result," with Fohler causing Mackey 'extreme emotional distress' among other things.
When asked for comment, Mackey explained to The Daily Beast: "I would love to speak with you but I have been advised by my attorney that now is not appropriate."
Neither set of lawyers have publicly commented on the case.
Fohler has filed a motion to dismiss, and Airbnb have filed to compel the parties to undergo arbitration, with a deadline to respond set for 21 February for Mackey.
LADbible has reached out to Airbnb for comment.
Joshua Nair