Woman Files Lawsuit Against Airbnb, Claiming She Was Raped at Fort Lauderdale Home

A woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, came forward Wednesday morning to speak out about a horrific incident that changed her life. The victim, referred to as Jane Doe, was raped inside an Airbnb rental in Fort Lauderdale in August 2024. During a press conference with her attorney, she shared her experience and expressed her desire for justice.

The Attack at the Airbnb

According to a lawsuit filed by Jane Doe, the sexual assault occurred on August 28, 2024, at an Airbnb property on Southeast 19th Street in Fort Lauderdale. On the morning of the attack, Jane Doe was cleaning the rental home after guests had checked out. The lawsuit claims that an intruder broke into the home, brandishing a knife, before forcing the woman to the ground and zip-tying her. The assailant then sexually assaulted and raped her. Jane Doe spoke of the life-altering event, saying, “On August 28th, my entire life changed. I was simply doing my job. But then someone broke into the house and violated me in the most horrific way imaginable.” The victim emphasized the profound impact the assault has had on her life, stating her desire to seek justice.

Unresolved Incidents at the Property

According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe is not the only person who has had disturbing experiences at the Airbnb property. Her attorney revealed that there were two prior incidents at the home, raising concerns about its safety. One of the incidents involved a guest reporting the theft of a laptop, while another occurred a week before the sexual assault, when a man broke into the unit through a window and locked himself inside, only to be discovered by guests. These previous incidents were reportedly not investigated thoroughly enough, which, according to the victim’s attorney, allowed the conditions for the August assault to occur. “Airbnb failed to do theirs,” said attorney Kim Wald. She emphasized that the victim was an innocent woman doing her job when the assault happened.

Airbnb and Police Response

In response to the lawsuit, Airbnb stated that no guests were staying at the property at the time of the attack. The company also confirmed it took immediate action by suspending the listing from the platform and is investigating the incident. “We take the safety of our community seriously. We are investigating the incident reported and have suspended the listing from the platform during that time,” Airbnb said in a statement. Fort Lauderdale Police also addressed the ongoing investigation. In their statement, the police clarified that the suspects from the prior two incidents at the home were ruled out as suspects in the August 28 sexual assault. Authorities confirmed that the investigation is still active, and they are working to identify the assailant responsible for the crime.

The Victim’s Call for Justice

As months have passed since the assault, Jane Doe remains hopeful for justice. “I wish I weren’t here,” she said. “I wish this never happened, but I’m here today to not only speak for myself but for others who have been hurt and who have been silenced.” Her statement reflects her determination to give a voice to other victims who may have faced similar violence. The case continues to unfold, and authorities and the community await further developments as the search for the perpetrator continues.