Fantasia Barrino Accuses Airbnb Host of Racial Profiling

Singer Fantasia Barrino has blasted an Airbnb host for allegedly racially profiling her and her family, resulting in them being evicted from their accommodation in the middle of the night.

The Color Purple star shared that because of her busy work schedule and being away from her son for an extended period, she rented an Airbnb suitable for a small celebration to "make him feel special."

However, it appears to not have gone to plan with the star posting on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday to share that the property owner allegedly kicked the family out because of "racial profiling" and that "the treatment we received was due to the color of our skin."

Posting online using her married name Fantasia Taylor, she opened up about her experience: "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."

The complete statement on her social media went on to list how "the host accused" them of "having a party with loud noises." She pointed out that the venue itself had a "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."

Only inviting the number of guests that the Airbnb allowed and with no information conveyed to her that she could not have guests, she ended her statement: "It's evident to me this was racial profiling and the treatment we received was due to the color of our skin.

"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."

Newsweek has reached out to Airbnb and Fantasia Barrino's publicist via email for comment.

Her post has been viewed more than 1.5 million times and has received hundreds of comments and saves and thousands of reshares and likes.

The post sparked outrage among her fans, with one stating: "I know there are reasons that you cannot tell us the host's name but I wish you could so we won't send another black dollar their way!"

A fan account dedicated to the singer shared: "We need this corrected immediately @AirbnbHelp @Airbnb!"

Another said of the Airbnb host: "Imagine choosing racism and discrimination when a literal award winning celebrity chose your home for the weekend."

Barrino won a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for her song "Bittersweet," and has racked up numerous other award nominations. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy for The Color Purple.

Airbnb's Help account replied to her comment, adding that the company did "not condone discrimination in any way" and shared a link to their "Nondiscrimination Policy," requesting that she send them a message to resolve the issue.

The polic states: "The Airbnb community is committed to building a world where people from every background feel welcome and respected, no matter how far they have traveled from home. This commitment rests on two foundational principles that apply both to Airbnb's hosts and guests: inclusion and respect."