Over the weekend, crowdfunding platform YouCaring pulled a campaign that was seeking funds for Baton Rouge police officers to sue Black Lives Matter protesters.
According to PBS, personal injury lawyer, Donna Grodner, attempted to raise $20,000 for two federal lawsuits on behalf of the Baton Rouge police. The first lawsuit accuses Black Lives Matter, targeting one of the organization leaders, Deray Mckesson, of being responsible for injuries during a protest after the death of Alton Sterling in 2016. The other lawsuit was filed against four more Black Lives Matter leaders including Alicia Garza and Johnetta “Netta” Elzie, making similar claims.
Following its launch, the campaign was removed by YouCaring and chief marketing officer of the platform, Maly Ly, revealed:
“In alignment with our mission, we removed this fundraiser because it was not within our community guidelines around promoting harmony. We are not the right platform to air grievances, or engage in contentious disputes or controversial public opinion.”
Ly also noted:
“We exist to empower people and communities to rally positive financial, emotional, and social support. While different viewpoints are a part of life, you should make efforts to ensure that the content of your fundraiser does not promote discord.”
Grodner reportedly decided to turn to global crowdfunding platform GoFundMe to raise the funds and the campaign’s description reportedly stated:
“Police officers in Baton Rouge have been seriously injured by militant protesters and activist. Black Lives Matter has been named in the lawsuit. Please give to help raise money to fund the prosecution of Black Lives Matter to hold them responsible for the injuries they caused whether in whole or in part through its anit-police agenda.”
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