Airbnb hosts accused of ‘fatphobia’ after banning guests over 16 stone

‘Bigger than average people are NOT ALLOWED TO STAY!’ say hosts

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A pair of Airbnb hosts have been accused of being “fatphobic” after banning guests weighing more than 15.7 stone from staying at their property.

The list originally included a rule prohibiting guests with “eating disorders” and capped the weight limit of guests at 100kg, citing “very old oak beams” as the reason behind the restrictions.

After complaints, the original listing was removed, but was reposted on 2 September with the reference to eating disorders removed. The weight limit remained.

“Understand the pictures are wide angle, bigger than average people are NOT ALLOWED TO STAY!” said the couple, reports Lad Bible.

“We had someone ask about the bath size then how wide the doors were.

“We said ‘not suitable for disabled guests’.

“Then the penny dropped once they booked – we had to cancel as the cottage could have got seriously damaged during their stay.”

The cottage in Sandwich, Kent, dates from the 15th century and was advertised as costing £199 per night.

Critics have called the listing “discriminatory”.

Fat activist Lindsay McGlone, 22, said: “Specifying a certain weight is fatphobic as it’s discriminating against people who have a larger body.

“They’re saying they don’t want fat people in their vicinity and they don’t want to take fat people’s money.

“It’s probably come from internalised fatphobia and now they’re trying to justify it by saying they’ve got old oak in their house.”

She added: “It’s absolutely appalling.”

Since the property started garnering negative attention, Airbnb has taken down the listing.

“Airbnb’s mission is to create a world where everyone can belong anywhere,” said a spokesperson for the platform.

“Discrimination and bias have no place in our community, and we have suspended the listing while we address the matter raised.

“We enforce a strict non-discrimination policy and under our Open Doors initiative, if a guest feels they have been discriminated against, we will provide personalised support to ensure they find a place to stay.”