January 1, Black Lives Matter Halts Fundraising Following Threats of Legal Action

Black Lives Matter has shut down all of its online fundraising days after California and Washington’s attorneys general demanded that the group submit delinquent financial disclosures for 2020.

“We take these matters seriously and have taken immediate action,” a Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) spokesperson said.

“We have immediately engaged compliance counsel to address any issues related to state fundraising compliance. In the interim, we have shut down online fundraising as we work quickly to ensure we are meeting all compliance requirements.”

In a letter dated Jan. 31, 2022, California Attorney General Rob Bonta informed the organization that it was prohibited from soliciting or disbursing funds due to its failure to submit an annual report for the 2020 tax year as required.

Bonta threatened to hold the charity’s leaders personally liable for late fees. 

Washington had reportedly ordered BLM to “immediately cease” all fundraising activities within the state on Jan. 5.

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Black Lives Matter halts online fundraising after California, Washington threaten legal action