Host asked money not to publish his review

[Dora31]

Hi all

I am looking for some guidance here. 

I have had a horrible airbnb experience where I had to leave the room and reported the host for harresment. 

Since then it has became a nightmare. 

He was messaging me asking £100 not to publish his review. I blocked him so he did, mentioning that he had to call airbn safety team in his review as I "stole" the keys. Thankfully I have video evidence of everything, and made a video returning the key. The host then 2 weeks after opened a support case asking £275. 

Both left a review where in his review response he called me "psychopath and prostitute". 

Airbnb refused to take down his review while I provided screenshots of the conversation (outside of the platform) and they keep saying for a few days now that his comment (psychopath and prostitute) is still under review and stays as it is. 

He also mentions thay he had to contact airbnb safety team - this is against airbnb content policy mention anything about the support. 

The host profile is already a red flag, his ad was thankfully taken down at least. I had to report him to the police for harresment (that is why I left) and provided evidence to airbnb about the police investigation but the host is still on the platform.

How is the whole situation ok with airbnb?

[Alicia753]

Hi Dora,

It’s clear you’ve been through a challenging and unfair situation. Airbnb should be taking this matter more seriously, as the host’s behavior and review violate their policies. Harassment, defamatory language, and mentioning interactions with Airbnb’s support team in a review are against their Content Policy.

Start by escalating your case to Airbnb’s Trust and Safety Team if you haven’t already. Make sure to share all your evidence, including screenshots of messages (even if they’re from outside the platform), your video showing the key return, and the police report details. Clearly explain how this situation has impacted you and why the host’s actions breach Airbnb’s guidelines.

Since the review response includes harmful and defamatory language, Airbnb has a responsibility to address this. Keep referencing the specific violations of their Content Policy in your communications. If Airbnb continues to fail to act, consider posting publicly on their social media channels like Twitter or X to gain visibility for your case. Often, public attention prompts quicker action.

Additionally, it’s concerning that the host remains on the platform despite the reported harassment and police involvement. Reiterate that this compromises guest safety and Airbnb’s commitment to providing secure accommodations.

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Upfish Management.

[Dora31]

Thank you. 

Some updates: now his review was removed after raising it with 4 different agents. I did mention the content policy but each time it was ignored. It was only removed because I provided evidence where the host asked money. 

Then I received the attached from airbnb support: the host asked GBP 275 saying I never returned the keys. Thankfully I had video evidence with timestamp on it. Then airbnb said that I could still pay if I want to... seriously? This host was reported to the police, called me prostitute and psychopath then airbnb says after my video evidence that there is not enough information? How is this okay? Why airbnb cannot see the bigger picture here?

 

[Dora31]

 attached the wrong screenshot first

[Helen3]

Have you posted publicly across all their social media @Dora31