In 2022, Shawn Mackey rented an Airbnb home in Memphis, Tennessee, for a weekend gathering with friends. During the stay, a dispute developed between Mackey and host Pamela Fohler over guest numbers and alleged violations of house rules. Mackey denied the accusations and later posted a negative review of the property.
The disagreement eventually led to a lawsuit. Mackey alleged that after he refused to pay $960 in additional fees, Fohler threatened to share security-camera footage showing him with a woman who was not his wife. He further claimed that an image from the property’s surveillance system was later sent to his wife.
According to court filings, Mackey argued that the incident caused emotional distress, public embarrassment, and damage to his marriage. He sued both Fohler and Airbnb over the alleged actions. Fohler denied contacting Mackey’s wife or sending the email in question.
how is this not blackmail?
He has alleged blackmail, and clakmed they sent the photo to his wife.
He would likely have to prove that they threatened him with it and that they did send it.
If they didnt threaten him with it and just decided to send it to his wife to fuck with him for not paying for damages then thats probably not blackmail.
I hope there's proof and that the guy goes after the host. That shit is absolutely inexcusable.
it is.. blackmail is not illegal
blackmail is absolutely illegal.
Blackmail is illegal in the place that this news story occurred.
What? It's illegal under federal law, most states laws.
I mean use some search skills.
"most" and you'll be surprise to learn that not everyone in the world abide by US law
Very first line of the article says the story is from Tennessee.
Practically every country with a functioning sane legal system has laws against blackmail, for good reason. Which country are you in that's the exception?
It is so obvious that the footage was taken in Burkina Faso, are you blind or something?
(/s)
Not at all, but if you read, you might be surprised where this took place.
Note: a quick search shows most countries have laws against black mail also. So your country seems fairly unique :p