Disclaimer: This article may contain the personal views and opinions of the author.
A major figure in the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLM) has been accused of embezzling millions of dollars from the group through a “mechanism of fraud and deception.”
According to the complaint filed by another BLM co-founder on Tuesday, Patrisse Khan-Cullors used her position to “amass a personal wealth of more than $3 million” while representing the interests of black people across the United States.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that Khan-Cullors misused donations from the BLM to acquire high-end real estate, including four properties valued at $3 million. It also accuses her of spending money on travel and entertainment with organization funds.
“Khan-Cullors and other members of BLM’s executive leadership team have exploited their positions of power to promote their brands and amass significant wealth while purporting to fight for social justice on behalf of the Black community,” the lawsuit alleges.
“In reality, however, they have used BLM as their personal piggy bank to support their lavish lifestyles.”
The lawsuit was filed by co-founder Aaron Gulliver, who is seeking unspecified damages. He accused Khan-Cullors of breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment.
Khan-Cullors has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
BLM was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer, George Zimmerman. The movement has gained renewed prominence in recent months following the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis.
Since its inception, BLM has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The organization has come under fire for its financial practices, including its use of private jets and luxury hotels.
This is not the first time Khan-Cullors has been accused of misusing BLM’s funds. In 2016, she was criticized for spending $20,000 of the organization’s money on a retreat at a luxury resort in Maui.
Khan-Cullors has also been accused of using her position to enrich herself and her family. In June, it was revealed that she had signed a book deal worth $1.4 million.
However, Khan-Cullors has defended her use of BLM’s funds, saying that she has “sacrificed” a lot for the movement.
“I have put everything on the line to fight for Black lives — my safety, my family, my liberty,” she said in a statement.
“Black Lives Matter has grown into an international organization because we have always been willing to sacrifice everything to fight for our people.”
The lawsuit against Khan-Cullors is the latest development in a growing backlash against the Black Lives Matter movement. In recent weeks, several BLM activists and leaders have been accused of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and hypocrisy.
BLM has also come under fire for its ties to the Democratic Party. Some critics have accused the organization of being a “front” for the Democratic Party and its agenda.
BLM has denied these accusations, saying that it is a nonpartisan movement.
The lawsuit against Khan-Cullors is likely to further damage BLM’s reputation and could make it harder for the organization to raise funds in the future.
BLM did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.
