FridayOL

A Manchester Airbnb host has sparked outrage after reportedly rejecting a booking from two Welsh music fans, citing their nationality as the reason. Jemma Louise Gough, 38, and her best friend Jamie Lee, were planning a weekend trip to see a band when their booking was suddenly cancelled, leaving them “absolutely gobsmacked.”

The pair, both avid music lovers, had been looking forward to the trip for weeks. They meticulously planned their itinerary, securing tickets to see their favourite band perform at a popular Manchester venue. Jemma explained, “We were so excited, we’d been planning it for ages. Then, out of the blue, we got an email saying the host had cancelled our booking.”

Initially, they assumed it was a technical error. However, upon further investigation, they discovered the host’s message explicitly stated the cancellation was due to their Welsh origin. “The message was unbelievable. It said something along the lines of ‘I don’t accept bookings from Welsh people’,” Jemma recounted, visibly frustrated. “It’s 2024, you can’t be discriminating based on where someone is from!”

Jamie Lee added, “We were just stunned. We’re decent people, we’re going to Manchester to enjoy a gig, and to be judged based on our nationality is just ridiculous. It’s blatant discrimination.”

The incident has triggered a wave of anger and condemnation online. Many users have taken to social media to express their disbelief and support for Jemma and Jamie, highlighting the unacceptability of such behaviour. The hashtag #WelshPride has been trending, with people sharing stories of Welsh culture and resilience.

Airbnb has responded to the situation, stating they have a strict non-discrimination policy and are investigating the matter. A spokesperson for Airbnb said, “Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable and goes against our core values. We are taking this complaint extremely seriously and will take appropriate action against the host if the allegations are proven to be true. We are committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive experience for all our guests.”

However, Jemma and Jamie remain disappointed and frustrated. They are now scrambling to find alternative accommodation in Manchester, just days before their planned trip. “It’s put a real dampener on things,” Jemma admitted. “But it won’t stop us from enjoying the gig. We’ll just have to find somewhere else to stay.”

This incident raises important questions about discrimination within the sharing economy and the need for stricter enforcement of non-discrimination policies. It serves as a stark reminder that prejudice can still exist, even in seemingly open and welcoming platforms. The case is likely to fuel further debate on the responsibilities of hosting platforms in ensuring equal access and preventing discriminatory practices.

Airbnb has been contacted for further comment regarding the specific actions they intend to take against the host. The investigation is ongoing.