Woman Who Called Kid N-Word Raises Over $700K in Just 5 Days
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A Minnesota woman who was filmed calling a young Black child the n-word at a local park has raised over $700,000 through an online fundraiser after she said that she needs to relocate her family for their safety.
Why It Matters
The size and speed of donations to Shiloh Hendrix's fundraiser have reignited debates around online harassment, free speech, racism and how crowdfunding sites are used in the aftermath of controversial incidents.
What To Know
Hendrix was captured on video at Soldiers Field Memorial Park in Rochester, Minnesota, using the slur during a confrontation that she later claimed was prompted by the child allegedly taking something from her toddler's diaper bag.
Hendrix created a fundraiser titled "Help Me Protect My Family" on GiveSendGo, claiming that her address and personal details were leaked and that she and her children had received threats. As of Tuesday, the page shows donations totaling over $700,000, with a goal now set at $1 million.
Shiloh Hendrix has raised over $700,000 on GiveSendGo after she was seen using a racial slur in a video posted to social media.
Shiloh Hendrix has raised over $700,000 on GiveSendGo after she was seen using a racial slur in a video posted to social media.
GiveSendGo
"The overwhelming support that my family and myself have received is unbelievable! I've never felt so scared, yet reassured in my life. It's truly a whirlwind of emotions! " Hendrix wrote in a fundraiser update on Friday.
Heather Wilson, the co-founder of GiveSendGo, confirmed to Newsweek that the comments were disabled on Hendrix's fundraiser.
"We have moderation systems in place, including a profanity filter, but in this case, the volume and intensity of comments containing racial and offensive language exceeded what our system was designed to handle, and was being abused by some givers. As a result, we made the decision to turn off commenting altogether on this fundraiser," Wilson said.
A GoFundMe for the 5-year-old Black child seen in the video and his family raised over $340,000 and has since been closed. The Rochester branch of the NAACP opened the fundraiser, and the money will help fund legal redress and advocacy efforts for the family.
The video circulated widely on social media platforms, including TikTok and X.
In response, the Rochester Police Department opened an investigation. On Facebook on Monday, police said the investigation into the "disturbing video" has been completed and the findings were referred to the Rochester City Attorney's Office for review and for consideration of a charging decision.
"The review will proceed deliberately, but with an appropriate sense of urgency. We acknowledge the significant impact this incident has had on those directly involved and on the broader community," the City Attorney's Office said in a press release obtained by Newsweek.
Sharmake Omar confirmed in an interview that he was the one who filmed the video, NBC News reported.
"Mr. Omar is not a suspect in this case as there is no allegation that he did anything illegal. No charges are being considered against him," Rochester City Attorney Michael Spindler-Krage told Newsweek.
What People Are Saying
Shiloh Hendrix, in an update on GiveSendGo: "We are taking the proper procedures in order to stay safe from these constant threats. I'm still very frightened, and I don't think I will feel safe until we can escape completely. I am so grateful to all of you who have donated to my family. I never would have imagined that we would be supported to such an extreme."
Wilson, in a statement to Newsweek: "We are actively working on how to better balance our commitment to free speech with the need to protect our platform from being used to spread hate. It's not always a simple line to walk, but we are committed to improving how we navigate these complex moments."
Rochester NAACP President Wale Elegbede told The Minnesota Star Tribune: "Now she's fundraising on this, and that is just abhorrent and totally unacceptable. She needs to face legal consequences for all her actions. This is a disgrace."
The Rochester Police Department, in a statement: "RPD takes all reports and allegations seriously and must thoroughly gather information to ensure due process. We recognize the behavior captured in the video has raised many concerns, and we appreciate the community's patience during the investigation and moving forward."
What Happens Next
The City Attorney's Office said it would be "premature" to estimate when a final charging decision will be made and asked for the community to remain patient during the legal review process.
"Once a determination has been reached, we will share that information publicly," the office said.
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