BLM Founder Patrisse Cullors Responds To Allegations About Misuse Of Funds
Black Lives Matter founder Patrisse Cullors has responded to the allegations of the nonprofit organization misusing funds for personal gain. New York Magazine reported Tuesday (April 5) that Cullors, along with BLM leaders Alicia Garza and Melina Abdullah, bought a $6 million California house with funds raised by the organization. Cullors has refuted the claim.
“Yesterday’s article in New York Magazine is a despicable abuse of a platform that’s intended to provide truthful information to the public,” Cullors said in a statement she wrote on her Instagram account. “Journalism is supposed to mitigate harm and inform our communities. [The] fact that a reputable publication would allow a reporter, with a proven and very public bias against me and other Black leaders, to write a piece filled with misinformation, innuendo, and incendiary opinions, is disheartening and unacceptable.”
She then went on to clarify the intentions of the estate: “the property the reporter addressed was purchased in 2020 as a space where those within the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and broader movement community could work, create content, host meetings, and foster creativity.”
“The reason it wasn’t announced prior is not nefarious as the headline infers, the property needed repairs and renovation,” the activist continued. “I do not own the property, have never lived there, and made that clear to the reporter.”
Cullors left BLM in 2021 but says she will “always see [herself] as a part of the BLM community.” However, she noted since her departure from the organization she is no longer a part of the decision-making process.
“I have never misappropriated funds, and it pains me that so many people have accepted that narrative without the presence of tangible truth or facts,” she explained adding, “I admittedly have not always responded and I know my silence has contributed to doubt. I apologize if it has caused you harm of any kind. But I’m asking you all to understand the enormous pressure and fear that comes with living under the constant threat of a white supremacist terror and real threats on my life and those of people I love.”
Garza and Abdullah have not publicly responded yet.
See the full post below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb-xmtEPmtx/
