A California judge has thrown out a $10 million lawsuit against the leader Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLM).
The founder of BLM Grassroots, Melina Abdullah, filed a lawsuit in 2022 accusing the leader, Shalomyah Bowers, of stealing over $10 million from the nonprofit.
The Black Lives Matter Global Network (BLMGNF) is the parent organization of all BLM groups, including Black Lives Matter Grassroots, which has raised over $90 million since May 2020.
Last week, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Bowick ruled that “BLM Grassroots failed to establish that they were entitled to any donated funds,” attorney Byron McLain for BLMGNF told The New York Post.
In the lawsuit, Abdullah claimed that her group was entitled to $10 million from the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and that Bowers enriched himself by billing his consulting company for millions.
Abdullah told reporters the judge’s verdict left her “stunned and dismayed” and plans to appeal, according to The Post.
Bowers’ lawyers called the lawsuit “frivolous,” adding that Abdullah had filed it to carry out a personal attack against Bowers.
“Melina Abdullah and her colleagues spent over a year tearing down Shalomyah’s name, reputation and character in an ill-fated ego-driven attempt to seize control of one of the most prominent charitable organizations supporting black empowerment,” a statement sent to The Post read.
BLM Inc. received $90 million in donations over the last three years, according to federal filings.
However, BLM recorded a loss of $9 million in 2022.
Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors hired Bowers in 20220 to take over the foundation.
Over the last few years, Black Lives Matter Inc has faced many controversies over its shady finances and spending habits.
Patrisse Cullors stepped down from the BLM organization in May 2021 after reports of a real-estate scandal emerged, revealing she spent $3.2 million on luxury homes.
Reports also emerged from Black Lives Matter leadership using company funds for personal luxury.
Last year, two Boston BLM leaders were charged in an 18-count federal indictment concerning three separate schemes:
- Defrauding donors
- Illegally collecting about $100,000 in pandemic unemployment benefits
- Lying on a mortgage application
Reports emerged that Cullors bought a $6 million property and circuitously moved money around a litany of LLCs.
Cullors described the routine; basic form 990 tax document nonprofits must fill out as ‘unsafe.’
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