“Epidemic Levels of Trafficking“
Red Roof Inn, a leading budget hotel chain in the U.S., is facing legal action from hundreds of sex trafficking victims who claim the company turned a blind eye to their abuse for profit. An investigation by The Independent reveals at least 42 federal lawsuits are pending, with many more victims preparing to file.
Allegations of complicity
Victims, some underage at the time, accuse Red Roof Inn of allowing traffickers to use their rooms for commercial sex work, controlling nearly every aspect of their lives. The lawsuits highlight how malnourished and underage girls were visibly controlled by “pimps,” who operated openly in front of hotel staff, renting numerous rooms where men came and went throughout the night.
The alleged incidents span 39 states and at least 115 Red Roof Inn hotels, underscoring the widespread nature of the claims. The Independent has mapped these locations to illustrate the scale of the alleged trafficking.
Inside the Atlanta trial
In a historic trial in Atlanta, 11 alleged victims testified against Red Roof Inn, detailing how traffickers ran operations from two of the chain’s hotels. One victim, Tiffeny, described being forced to meet a daily quota to eat, enduring brutal conditions. Another victim, Melissa, recounted being forced to have sex with eight men a day, while hotel staff ignored the clear signs of trafficking.
Red Roof Inn’s response
Despite denying the allegations and settling the Atlanta case, Red Roof Inn faces a mounting legal battle. Attorneys argue the company’s profit-driven negligence allowed trafficking to thrive. Steven Babin, representing nearly 1,000 victims, stated, “Red Roof Inn intentionally ignored the problem of human sex trafficking in its hotels and completely failed to put any meaningful policies and procedures in place.”
Evidence presented in the lawsuits includes emails and depositions suggesting corporate knowledge of the trafficking. A senior Red Roof Inn employee reportedly joked about “pimps and hos” at one hotel. Former staff members testified about the lack of training on identifying trafficking and the company’s focus on profits over safety.
Experts predict a significant impact on the hotel industry, which has long avoided responsibility for sex trafficking within its properties. Babin foresees major financial repercussions, potentially leading to bankruptcy for some chains.
Support for victims
For those experiencing human trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline provides 24/7 support at 1-888-373-7888, by texting 233733, or via web chat at humantraffickinghotline.org. Help is available in 200 languages, and all calls are confidential.
