US Influencer Gets $10,000 Fine After Taking Selfie At Airbnb's 'Invisible House'

2025-09-18 12:00:57

(MENAFN- Live Mint) A luxury Airbnb stay in California's Joshua Tree turned into a nightmare for a US influencer after he was slapped with a $10,000 ( ₹8.7 lakh) fine for a selfie.

TikToker Sean Davis claimed he was billed the hefty amount by the owners of the“Invisible House,” a $2,400-per-night glass-walled property that has gone viral online and even appeared on Netflix's World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals. The futuristic retreat has hosted celebrities including Demi Lovato and Lizzo .

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According to the New York Post , the controversy began when a friend's girlfriend took a selfie inside the bathroom and posted it on Instagram. The property owners said this violated their strict“no commercial photography” policy, which prohibits posting promotional-style content without permission.

Davis said he was shocked by the charge.“We didn't actually shoot any brand content in the house. We shot outside, but they had an issue with a selfie,” he told the outlet.

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The influencer also criticised the high-priced rental, saying the serene appearance didn't match the experience. He claimed the house was uncomfortable, with see-through walls at night and constant creaking noises“like a skyscraper.”

Airbnb's Role

Airbnb's rules allow hosts to set specific conditions for guests, including restrictions on professional or commercial photography. The owners argued that posting a selfie to a public social media account amounted to promotional use. Davis, however, insisted the photo was a spontaneous, personal moment.

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Airbnb has not publicly commented on the dispute but is reportedly mediating between the two parties.

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