Vegan beauty mogul sues Airbnb after guests ransack Brisbane apartment

Vegan beauty mogul sues Airbnb after guests ransack Brisbane apartment

An Australian woman is suing Airbnb for more than $200,000 after guests allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewellery from her Brisbane apartment.

Cassandra Felicity House, who works for vegan skincare giant Arbonne, filed the $253,212,65 lawsuit against Airbnb after claiming a guest she hosted at the main beach parade unit in April 2018 robbed her and trashed her apartment.

A lawsuit seen by 7 News alleges $25,000 worth of Tiffany and Co diamonds, awarded to House by her employer, was among the items stolen, as well as a $27,220.71 diamond ring, $40,000 worth of designer clothes, $37,000 worth of designer shoes and $50,000 worth of engagement presents among other things.

The cheapest thing listed was a “silver banana” worth $50.

The luxury items House alleges were stolen were listed as birthday, graduation, university acceptance and work gifts.

The guests also appear to have trashed the apartment, with the lawsuit alleging an indoor fireplace, iPad mini, crystal wine glasses, kitchenware and cupboards were damaged.

The lawsuit reportedly cites Airbnb’s host guarantee, which states the company will pay hosts to repair or replace property damaged or destroyed as a result of a covered loss.

An Airbnb spokesperson told Travel Weekly the company’s independent claims assessor expressed concerns with the claim and has raised it with the Queensland police.

“Airbnb is fully cooperating with the Queensland Police Service and their investigation. Given the matter is being investigated, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” the spokesperson said.


Featured image: Facebook/Cassandra House

Latest News

  • Partner Content

My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse 

Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse?  ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]

Partner Content

by Travel Weekly

Travel Weekly
  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]