Aussie backpacker refused room because ‘Australia is famous for its drunks and racists’
Australian backpacker Laura Gratton, 24. (Facebook)
Melbourne backpacker Laura Gratton says she was shocked when a Scottish landlord told her she could not rent a flat because “Australia is a racist nation”.
Ms Gratton’s request to rent a room she had seen on the SpareRoom UK website was instantly rejected due to the fact that she was Australian, The Sun reports.
“It is well known that Australians are racist. Infact [sic] around the world your people are famous for this,” a message from the landlord read.
“Just as France is famous for vine and cheese. Australia is famous for its drunks and racists.”
The 24-year-old backpacker suggested the landlord’s own decision was also racist.
“[The] majority of my closest friends are from across the globe so would hate to think I’m racist,” she wrote.
Ms Gratton also suggested the landlord visit Australia to change their perceptions.
She told The Sun that she was “angry and frustrated” at the exchange.
“This was my first encounter of such strong negative and offensive stereotyping on my travels,” she said.
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