Skip to content
Support Us

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

DPA/PA Images

'One word says it all. Asian': Racist Airbnb host forced to pay fine

The woman has agreed to attend a course in American-Asian relations.

AN AIRBNB host who cancelled a reservation and told the guest, “One word says it all. Asian,” has agreed to pay a $5,000 fine and attend a college course in Asian-American studies.

The guest, Dyne Suh, had booked the home as part of a ski trip with her fiancé and friends in Big Bear, California, in February. When she was close to the house, Suh messaged host Tami Barker through the Airbnb app, but the host cancelled the reservation after a dispute over additional guests.

Barker told Suh in a series of messages that she wouldn’t rent to her if she were the last person on Earth.

“One word says it all. Asian,” one of the messages said.

When Suh told Barker that she would complain to Airbnb, Barker wrote: “It’s why we have Trump. I will not allow this country to be told what to do by foreigners.”

Suh, who posted an emotional video about the incident on YouTube, has said she’d agreed to pay $250 per night to rent the home and later asked Barker if two other friends could also stay at the house, which Barker agreed to. Suh sent Barker screenshots of text messages where she agreed to the additional guests, but Barker cancelled the reservation.

As part of an agreement with state officials, Barker also agreed to personally apologise to Suh and perform community service at a civil rights organisation.

A message left at a number listed for Barker was not immediately returned. Her attorney, Edward Lee, said his client was “regretful for her impetuous actions and comments” and is pleased to have resolved the matter.

Suh said in a statement posted on Facebook that she was pleased the settlement included Barker’s agreement to attend an Asian-American studies course and hoped the settlement would encourage others to report discrimination.

“I hope that more victims of discrimination will feel encouraged to come forward with their own stories,” Suh wrote. “Your pain is not insignificant and you are not alone.”

Read: Turkey marks year since ‘epic’ defeat of anti-Erdogan coup >

Read: Gardaí renew their appeal for Linda Christian and say they are ‘very concerned’ for her welfare >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
34 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Glen
    Favourite Glen
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 5:32 PM

    If only the kitchen was slightly bigger.

    234
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mrs Shalakalananaka
    Favourite Mrs Shalakalananaka
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 5:41 PM

    Yeah, I was considering buying it till I saw that. I mean, what’s the point in buying a house where me, Mr Shalakalananaka, my 15 kids, my 36 kids, my great-grandkids and my cats can’t all spin around like helicopters in the kitchen without touching each other and knocking over dishes?

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave J
    Favourite Dave J
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 5:49 PM

    wifi is awful in these places. walls are too thick for a decent signal. does my head in. ill never live in a castle again

    203
    See 9 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mrs Shalakalananaka
    Favourite Mrs Shalakalananaka
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:02 PM

    I don’t get the red thumbs, I was being genuine.

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hardly Normal
    Favourite Hardly Normal
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:04 PM

    Mrs Shalakalananaka, if you want us to believe you’re genuine telling us you have 51 kids isn’t the way to go about it!

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Glen
    Favourite Glen
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:21 PM

    15 kids
    You backwards reading twit …. And that’s no way to speak to a lady.

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hardly Normal
    Favourite Hardly Normal
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:24 PM

    “my 15 kids, my 36 kids” add em together you’ve got 51

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Glen
    Favourite Glen
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:27 PM

    Nice save hardly !! Nice save indeed.

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hardly Normal
    Favourite Hardly Normal
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:47 PM

    thank’s nelg !!

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mrs Shalakalananaka
    Favourite Mrs Shalakalananaka
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:52 PM

    Oh feckballs, I meant 36 grandkids. 51 kids, Jesus, I couldn’t think of anything worse. xD The 15 I have are bad enough (only messing, I love my little angels!).

    Thank you for looking out for me, Glen. You are a true gentleman, rare in this day and age, but no less adored. <3

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute chinaski
    Favourite chinaski
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 8:12 PM

    Glen, every single story you post. Go get a pint or something, jeez…

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mrs Shalakalananaka
    Favourite Mrs Shalakalananaka
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 8:27 PM

    So what, he can post if he wants Chinaski. No need to be a biznatch about it.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hardly Normal
    Favourite Hardly Normal
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:02 PM

    i’m buying it on wednesday after i win the euromillions on tuesday…

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John J Rambo
    Favourite John J Rambo
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:13 PM

    Id buy to let it out only the law now says ive to accept rent allowance

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute trickytrixster
    Favourite trickytrixster
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 5:45 PM

    The broadband is dial up though, or eircom as it’s known

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Carr
    Favourite Declan Carr
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:04 PM

    If I won the Euro lotto I would by it.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 7:13 PM

    Yeah very nice but how many bedrooms? I’ve a family to consider.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Flynn
    Favourite David Flynn
    Report
    Feb 23rd 2015, 12:46 AM

    Dunno why you’d bother when for just a million more you could have a 4 bed semi-d with on street parking in south county Dublin

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mrgillhouley
    Favourite mrgillhouley
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 5:38 PM

    nice place for someone deserving

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mike Clinton
    Favourite Mike Clinton
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 5:52 PM

    Not even one topic,not even one !!!!!!.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mrgillhouley
    Favourite mrgillhouley
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:02 PM

    you appear to be upset about something mike?

    10
    See 10 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charles McDonald
    Favourite Charles McDonald
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:11 PM

    Yeah Mike what’s upsetting you Mike ;)

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mrgillhouley
    Favourite mrgillhouley
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:13 PM

    they mustnt take rent allowance…

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mike Clinton
    Favourite Mike Clinton
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:14 PM

    Oh look,the other cheek of the arse.
    The circle is complete.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mrgillhouley
    Favourite mrgillhouley
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:19 PM

    you must have the mother of all hangovers mike your like a briar :D

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charles McDonald
    Favourite Charles McDonald
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:25 PM

    That’s how harry price likes him

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mike Clinton
    Favourite Mike Clinton
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:33 PM

    I actually hope Mr Price takes my advice and reports you to twitter with a view to suing you for bullying and slander.
    You really are a clown aren’t you.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charles McDonald
    Favourite Charles McDonald
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 6:51 PM

    I hope he does too :)

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mrgillhouley
    Favourite mrgillhouley
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 7:02 PM

    who exactly am i supposed to be bullying and slandering? why do you have to persistently insult people. you don’t agree with me, i get it, that is your choice, but disagreeing isn’t enough for you you have embarked on some personal vendetta and are now ranting about slander and other such nonsense.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mike Clinton
    Favourite Mike Clinton
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 7:06 PM

    I’m not talking about you , you overestimate your importance on the planet.
    You gillwhoever are nothing but a mild irritation.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mrgillhouley
    Favourite mrgillhouley
    Report
    Feb 22nd 2015, 7:13 PM

    Cool, I was just asking

    8
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.