NEW: DOJ Probes Black Lives Matter Org Over Alleged Misuse Of $90M In Donations
Federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into senior leaders of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, the main fiscal sponsor of the Black Lives Matter movement, along with other Black-led advocacy groups that rose to prominence during the nationwide riots that gripped the nation following the death of George Floyd in 2020.
According to a report from Fox News citing two sources familiar with the probe, authorities are investigating whether the group’s leaders misused funds from the massive, $90 million fundraising haul they received in 2020. The probe is being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California in Los Angeles, sources familiar with the investigation told Fox News.
Investigators have issued subpoenas and executed at least one search warrant in recent weeks as they work to determine whether foundation leaders or related organizations improperly managed charitable funds.
The investigation originated during the Biden administration but has gained renewed focus under the incoming Trump administration, sources told the Associated Press. The outlet further reported that the inquiry extends to similar organizations that gained prominence during the riots in 2020.
Criminal charges have not been filed as of this report, and the total scope of the investigation remains unclear.
The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation said in a statement to AP that it “is not a target of any federal criminal investigation” and remains committed to transparency and accountability.
The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) has long faced significant scrutiny over its financial management following the massive fundraising haul in 2020. Allegations of impropriety primarily involve co-founder Patrisse Cullors and other leaders, including claims of misuse of funds for personal gain, lack of transparency, and inequitable distribution to local chapters.
While the organization has denied allegations of impropriety, activists, former donors and watchdog groups have highlighted appearances of self-dealing and poor stewardship of charitable funds.
In October 2020, shortly after receiving a $66.5 million transfer from its fiscal sponsor (Thousand Currents), BLMGNF used donation funds to buy a 6,500-square-foot luxury property in Studio City, Los Angeles, for nearly $6 million in cash. The seven-bedroom home, dubbed “Campus” or “Creator’s House” internally, features multiple fireplaces, a pool, a soundstage, a bungalow, and parking for over 20 cars.
It was acquired through a Delaware LLC tied to the foundation and purchased by Dyane Pascall, financial manager for a consulting firm run by Cullors and her spouse, Janaya Khan.
Cullors speaks during a Ferguson Solidarity Tour event in London in 2015
Photo: Steve Eason
BLMGNF described the property as a “safe house” and creative space for Black artists, activists, and influencers to foster racial justice work, emphasizing that few Black-led organizations own such assets. However, reports revealed minimal use for this purpose, noting that only a handful of publicly released media projects have been filmed there.
Cullors, who resigned as executive director in May 2021 amid scrutiny, admitted in 2022 to hosting at least two personal events at the mansion, including a four-day stay for a Biden-Harris inauguration party and her son’s birthday celebration. She further admitted to spending overnights there for “safety reasons.”
She has denied allegations of misappropriation, stating that she never lived at the property or benefited financially, and called disclosures “triggering” due to alleged threats. The property’s security was handled by Cullors’ brother, Paul Cullors, whose firm received $840,000 from BLMGNF for services.
A 2022 IRS complaint filed by the National Legal and Policy Center accused Cullors of improper personal use and sought penalties.