Karmelo Anthony‘s parents have dismissed the claims that their family misused funds meant for their son’s legal defense as false. His mother spoke at a press conference early on Thursday, stating that the accusations were unfounded. She also revealed that the Anthony family has been receiving severe threats since the fatal stabbing incident.
Karmelo Anthony’s Mother Denies False Claims
Karmelo Anthony’s parents responded to the claims and accusations that have followed their family since donations began, calling them false. His mother, Hayes Anthony, spoke at a press conference organized by a social justice group, Next Generation Action Network (NGAN). During the conference on Thursday, April 18, she addressed the accusations of embezzlement and revealed the threats confronting their family.
Hayes denied the claims that her family bought a home and car and hired security to protect Karmelo. She revealed that the Anthony family did not have access to the money raised from donations. Karmelo Anthony’s parents started a fundraiser to help pay his legal fees, leading to false claims that they embezzled the money. “I don’t know why we are being targeted and discriminated against before a fair trial. Our son deserves the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded,” Hayes said.
Karmelo Anthony’s Mother Reveals Impact Of False Claims On Family
Karmelo Anthony’s mother also revealed that the false claims had amplified the attacks against their family.
“In the wake of this tragic incident, our family has been under attack,” she disclosed. “Whatever you think about what happened… my three younger children, my husband and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about.” Hayes continued, “The lies and their amplification put my family in danger, as well as everyone in our community, everyone involved in the investigation from the police, the attorneys and the court staff.”
She added that her husband has had to take a leave of absence from work because he feared the potential danger to his family. She said the incident and the aftermath have affected his mental health, which she claimed is “deteriorating. Day by day, we have endured death threats,” she revealed. Hayes also shared that her 13-year-old daughter is afraid to sleep in her bedroom, fearing what might happen.
Meanwhile, Hayes sent her condolences to the Metcalf’s family. “To the family who experienced the loss, my heart truly goes out to you,” she said.
NGAN CEO Supports Karmelo Anthony’s Family
Minister Dominique Alexander, the president and CEO of NGAN, also affirmed Hayes’ statement about the false claims confronting the family. He said the family has been battling “misinformation” about how the donated funds were utilized. The fundraiser, which is being run on GiveSendGo, has raised over $458,000.
“Let’s be clear; the family has not received one dime,” he said, per ABC News. “But we saw on Twitter, we saw on Facebook and so many different things, of the false lavish life of this family — $800,00 home, purchased Escalade and private security.” Alexander clarified that the security detail that escorted Karmelo from court belonged to the organization.
“Since this tragedy unfolded, the Anthony family has been subject to unimaginable amount of hate, racism, threats to their safety,” the CEO added. “This is not just about Karmelo, this is about the family that dared to stand and demand justice. Let me be loud and clear, we are not scared. We are not moving. We will not be silent.”
A judge granted Karmelo Anthony reduced bail on Monday, which has caused a heavy backlash on and off social media. The stabbing incident, which led to the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, has also raised conversations on racial bias, gun violence, and black violence. It is not surprising that there were claims that Karmelo Anthony’s family stole donated funds, all of which they have called false.
#Clique, what do you think?
