In an unprecedented move, Airbnb has delisted two properties in New Kent, Virginia – the Vaiden Inn and the New Kent Ordinary. The company’s actions are in alignment with its policy of removing listings associated with properties that have historical ties to slavery. Jessica Angel, the owner of Vaiden Inn, and Pamela Radwani, the managing partner of the New Kent Ordinary, have voiced their dissent over the decision, claiming their properties have been incorrectly identified.
Airbnb’s Stance
Airbnb removed the Vaiden Inn listing in June last year, and as of Monday, the New Kent Ordinary was also delisted. The directive to remove these listings came after the company conducted an investigation, which involved consultation with experts in historic preservation. The move is a show of Airbnb’s resolve in addressing controversial associations with slavery.
Owners Contest Claims
Jessica Angel vehemently disputes the claim that her inn has any ties to slavery. She emphasized the inn’s inclusive values and mentioned its status as an LGBTQ-friendly business. To validate her claims, Angel hired a historic mapping and research company. She also voiced concerns over the financial implications of the delisting, estimating a loss of around $100,000 in business. Pamela Radwani shares a similar sentiment, stating that nearly 90% of her bookings were made through Airbnb.
Historical Records and Controversy
The decision by Airbnb was influenced by a controversy that erupted over a listing for a ‘slave cabin’ in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 2022. Despite the owners’ claims, historic records suggest that slavery was prevalent in New Kent County. From the first census in 1790 until emancipation, slaves outnumbered free Whites in the region. However, the direct association of the Vaiden Inn and the New Kent Ordinary to this disturbing past remains contested.
