Lawsuit Accuses Airbnb ‘Superhost’ of Extortion and Exposing Guest’s Affair
An Airbnb guest is suing the platform and a Tennessee “superhost” after she allegedly used a security camera image to blackmail him, sent a compromising photo to his wife, and conspired to have him billed for hundreds of dollars in penalties following a bad review.
Shawn Mackey filed a 22-page lawsuit in September against Airbnb and host Pamela Fohler, seeking unspecified actual and punitive damages for invasion of privacy, emotional distress, and marital damage.
The dispute stems from a September 2022 weekend stay at Fohler’s Memphis rental, billed as “Little Bit More Country.” Mackey rented the three-bedroom home for four guests to attend a low-key get-together with old friends. Although Mackey mentioned potentially having a few extra people over for dinner, Fohler initially voiced no objection.
However, tension arose when Mackey submitted a revised guest list. Fohler suddenly informed him that the guest count could not triple without an increased fee, citing strict insurance requirements and a no-parties policy. Later that evening, Fohler accused the group of excessive noise and profanity in the parking lot, demanding that Mackey and his guests vacate the premises immediately. Mackey maintained that the accusations were unfounded and that no party had occurred. After speaking briefly with Fohler’s husband, who assured him he could stay, Mackey completed his reservation and checked out as planned.
The conflict escalated after Mackey left a negative review on Airbnb and requested a partial refund, which was denied. Fohler allegedly demanded that he remove the review to protect her superhost status. Shortly after, Mackey received a text message containing a timestamped security camera still from 3:16 AM showing him with a woman who was not his wife, alongside a veiled threat asking if she should forward the media to his wife, Teresa.
Mackey was subsequently hit with a $960 bill from Airbnb covering extra guest fees and rule violations. When he refused to pay, Fohler allegedly carried out an extortion attempt by creating a bogus email account to send the compromising screenshot directly to Mackey’s wife at her workplace.
Mackey’s lawsuit claims Airbnb sided with the superhost and mishandled his complaints. In response to the litigation, Airbnb has filed a motion to compel arbitration, while Fohler has filed a motion to dismiss, denying that she ever communicated with Mackey’s wife.