The interplay of short-term rentals and online fame took an unexpected turn when 23-year-old British OnlyFans model Lily Phillips rented a luxury Notting Hill apartment on Airbnb to host an event that has since sparked widespread debate and scrutiny. The controversy? Phillips reportedly invited over 101 men to the $1.9 million flat for an adult-themed “marathon” session that she live-streamed on her OnlyFans platform.
Here’s a detailed account of what transpired, the broader implications, and the unanswered questions, along with practical steps hosts and property managers can take to prevent such incidents and protect their properties.
Who Is Lily Phillips, and What Really Happened at the Airbnb Apartment in Notting Hill?
Lily Phillips is a British content creator on OnlyFans, a subscription-based platform that allows creators to share exclusive content with paying subscribers. Widely recognized for hosting adult content, the platform features photos, videos, and live streams that cater to a variety of audiences
Lily Phillips rented a one-bedroom flat in London’s affluent Notting Hill neighborhood via Airbnb. The property, valued at nearly $1.9 million, is a highly rated listing with a private garden and a nightly rate of over $500. Described as one of Airbnb’s “most loved homes,” it seemed like the perfect backdrop for an exclusive event. What the hosts didn’t know, however, was that Phillips planned to use the flat for a 14-hour sex marathon with 101 men, an event she documented for her OnlyFans subscribers.
Following the controversy, Lily Phillips described the event as overwhelming but stood by her decision, expressing no regrets. At times, she tearfully admitted her work left her feeling “robotic,” yet she also revealed bold plans to attempt a world record with 1,000 men in a single day.
How Did Hosts Learned About the Scandal?
The event reportedly went off without incident. After the session, Phillips gave the apartment a glowing five-star review and quietly checked out. But soon after, details of the marathon surfaced online, the hosts were left stunned when they discovered what had transpired in their home.
Carol, one of the hosts, revealed to the New York Post that she and her co-hosts had no idea about Phillips’ activities during her stay. “We have been made aware of this now,” Carol said. “Unfortunately, we did not know anything about what she had done in the flat, and there was no sign of anything in the flat when she left.”
The hosts only became aware of the event after it gained traction online, leaving them shocked and upset. While Carol declined to comment further, the incident raises significant questions about how much control hosts really have over what happens in their properties.
What Was Airbnb’s Response?
Airbnb’s policies explicitly prohibit disruptive gatherings and any illegal or unauthorized activities, including sex work, in their properties. The platform has stringent guidelines for guests and hosts, warning that violations can lead to suspension or permanent bans.
However, in this case, critics are questioning whether Airbnb’s monitoring systems failed to flag such a high-risk booking. Why wasn’t this event detected earlier? Could Airbnb’s algorithms or booking review processes have done more to prevent it? These questions remain unanswered as Airbnb continues its investigation.
This isn’t the first time Airbnb has faced controversy involving OnlyFans creators. In May, a Twitter user named Alexa went viral after posting a screenshot of an Airbnb booking—$99 per night with a $114 cleaning fee—captioned, “We gotta stop Airbnb.”
The tweet sparked outrage, with over 23,800 retweets and 211,400 likes, pushing Airbnb to announce a review of cleaning fee practices. What many didn’t notice was that Alexa, an adult performer, used the attention to promote her OnlyFans account, turning public outrage into a clever marketing strategy.
Proactive Steps Property Managers Can Take to Prevent Misuse of Their Properties
Thorough Guest Screening
Communicate with guests before accepting bookings to understand the purpose of their stay, especially for high-value or luxury properties.
Set Clear Rules in Listings
Clearly outline house rules in your listing, such as restrictions on parties, events, or unauthorized filming.
Inspect the Property Post-Stay
Conduct a thorough inspection after every booking to identify any signs of misuse or damages promptly.
Respond Swiftly to Red Flags
If you notice vague communication, last-minute bookings, or inconsistencies in guest information, do not hesitate to reach out to Airbnb for clarification or assistance.
Utilize Noise Monitors
Install privacy-compliant devices like noise sensors to detect unusual activity without violating guest privacy.
Do Not Rely Solely on Glowing Reviews
Positive reviews can be helpful but should not replace proper vetting,and cross-check reviews with guest communication.
Unresolved Gaps in the Controversy and the Need for Collective Responsibility
The story surrounding this incident remains somewhat unclear, with key details either missing or raising further questions. This event involving over 101 participants went unnoticed. Was Lily Phillips able to bypass these safeguards through gaps in the system, or was the booking executed so discreetly that it avoided detection entirely? Compounding the mystery, the hosts and cleaners reported no signs of misuse, and neighbors, who might have observed increased foot traffic, appeared unaware of any unusual activity.
While it’s tempting to lay blame on Airbnb or the short-term rental model, such platforms have successfully supported countless responsible bookings globally. Instead, this case highlights an opportunity for all stakeholders—platforms, hosts, and communities, to collectively improve safeguards.
