This was supposed to be an exciting week for actress and director Jessica Cameron, whose new film, “A Bad Place,” is having its world premiere at Cinequest on Saturday. But “A Bad Place” could also be used to describe her situation after her Airbnb host in San Jose told her she might be asked to leave if she didn’t change the way she dressed.
“I can’t believe that we are still having to put up with this in 2020,” said Cameron, who has built an acting career as a horror movie “scream queen” while also directing three movies. “Nobody should have to experience this kind of discrimination because of what they wear.”
For Cameron, who freely concedes her fashion style is anything but conservative, the drama started Tuesday night when she left the San Jose home she had booked on Airbnb to attend Cinequest’s opening night festivities at the California Theatre. She went out in a black dress, a bright green jacket and thigh-high boots, and later posted a photo of herself in the outfit on Instagram.But that night she was contacted by the Airbnb host, who lives with her parents in the house where Cameron had rented a room.
While acknowledging that Cameron had the freedom to dress how she wished, the host apologetically explained that her parents were religious and didn’t think the booking would be a good fit unless Cameron was more “mindful” about how she looked when she left the house. Cameron said getting the message ruined the night for her, and — and after deciding she wouldn’t stay in the house — left her wondering where she would stay for the remainder of the festival, which runs through March 15.
“This took up the first two days of the festival for me, which as a filmmaker are essential because that’s when you’re networking and talking to press about your movie,” she said. “Instead I was in tears.”
Cameron contacted Airbnb, which agreed to refund her money and help her find a new place to stay. Unfortunately, there weren’t any listings available near downtown San Jose for Cameron’s entire 12-day stay. Airbnb couldn’t be reached for comment, but Cameron said she was in frequent contact with Airbnb support as they tried to resolve the issue.
A Cinequest staff member escorted Cameron to pick up her luggage late Tuesday night, and she checked into a hotel in North San Jose, with Airbnb promising to reimburse her $120 for the single night. She spent Wednesday night at the home of a Cinequest volunteer, and she checked into a small hotel in downtown San Jose on Thursday. At this point, she’s only booked through Sunday — the morning after her movie has its world premiere at 3Below Theaters.
Despite all the real-life drama, Cameron says Cinequest has been great about making sure she’s being taken care of and is looking forward to seeing her movie with an audience for the first time. “Cinequest has been incredibly supportive through all of this,” she said.
