Rev. Al Sharpton, an MSNBC host, has a long history of scandals, and the discovery of a pay-to-play scheme is only the latest in a long line of controversy.
MSNBC revealed last week that it was not aware that, just weeks before the election, Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign had donated $500,000 to Sharpton’s National Action Network organization in exchange for a cordial interview with the Democratic nominee on October 20.
According to FEC papers, the Harris campaign donated $250,000 to Sharpton’s nonprofit organization twice in September and October after Harris lost to President-elect Donald Trump.
Nevertheless, neither before nor after the conversation did the MSNBC weekend host disclose the blatant conflict of interest to the audience. According to the Washington Free Beacon, which broke the story, he apparently neglected to tell his network management about the gifts.
Sharpton’s political ties are well known; he has publicly endorsed Harris and the Democratic Party, even giving a speech at the Chicago Democratic National Convention. However, a network insider claims that his MSNBC colleagues find the six-figure deal between his company and the Harris campaign to be too much.
Although it’s unclear if Sharpton will be held accountable for his blatant conflict of interest, this is the most recent problem to affect the vocal activist. He has been involved in a number of disputes throughout the years, including these.
Tax troubles
Sharpton is known for not filing his taxes correctly. In 1993, two felony charges were withdrawn in exchange for his guilty plea to failing to file his 1986 tax return.
It was found in 2008 that Sharpton had unpaid taxes of almost $1.5 million.
Over the years, the New York Times reported on some of his previous financial troubles. He was accused of stealing $250,000 from a youth organization in 1990, but he was exonerated of all felony charges.
He entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of not filing his state income tax return three years later. Raw Talent, one of his for-profit businesses, was also shut down for years of tax evasion.
According to a 2014 article in The New York Times, records examined reveal that he and his for-profit companies are currently facing over $4.5 million in state and federal tax liens.
Promoting the Tawana Brawley rape hoax
Sharpton is well recognized for his backing of renowned rape hoaxer Tawana Brawley, despite his important work at MSNBC.
In 1987, 15-year-old Black girl Brawley reported that she had been abducted and sexually assaulted by a group of white men after going missing for four days from her home in New York. Racial epithets were scrawled all over her body, and she was covered with feces.
Racial tensions around the nation were exacerbated by Sharpton, one of her most vocal supporters and closest advisors. Her assertions were ultimately found to be false by a grand jury.
Sharpton was given $65,000 in damages after one of the individuals Brawley charged sued him for defamation. Sharpton’s supporters ultimately footed the bill years after he claimed he lacked the funds.
Sharpton still feels no remorse for standing up for Brawley.
In an interview conducted in January 2023, Sharpton said, “I have no evidence that I was misled.” My stance was that this young woman had made an accusation of highly dubious behavior on the part of the people she accused.
History of antisemitism
The well-known activist has a concerning history of antisemitism throughout the years.
In 1991, Sharpton supported Leonard Jeffries, a professor at New York City College, who infuriated people with his speech accusing wealthy Jews of controlling Hollywood and funding the slave trade, claiming that they had set up a system of devastation for Black people. In response to the criticism, he said, “Tell the Jews to come over to my house and pin their yarmulkes back if they want to get it on.”
After a Jewish man killed a 7-year-old Black boy in a terrible vehicle accident in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the same year, Sharpton incited a deadly antisemitic mob.
“The world will tell us he was killed by accident,” Sharpton said at the boy’s funeral. Indeed, a social accident occurred. It was an accident that Crown Heights allowed apartheid ambulance service. Talk about how Oppenheimer in South Africa deals with diamond merchants here in Crown Heights and ships diamonds straight to Tel Aviv. He referred to Jewish jewelers as “diamond merchants.” Additionally, he coordinated demonstrations with slogans like “Kill the Jews!” and “No Justice, No Peace!”
A Black teenager fatally stabbed rabbinical scholar Yankel Rosenbaum as a result of the protests.
Despite an investigation into the incident, no charges were brought. However, Sharpton went to the Jewish State to find the Jewish man when he moved to Israel. The New York Daily News reports that Sharpton said, “I am already in hell,” in response to a woman telling him to go to hell at the airport. I’m in Israel.
When a Jewish company owner in Harlem raised the rent for a Black subtenant after the building’s owner, a Black Pentecostal church, raised its own rent in 1995, Sharpton called the owner a White intruder.
The Jewish store owner’s business was completely destroyed, and a seven-person shooting occurred as a result of weeks-long rallies organized by Sharpton and his National Action Network.
Source
The well-known activist has a concerning history of antisemitism throughout the years.
In 1991, Sharpton supported Leonard Jeffries, a professor at New York City College, who infuriated people with his speech accusing wealthy Jews of controlling Hollywood and funding the slave trade, claiming that they had set up a system of devastation for Black people. In response to the criticism, he said, “Tell the Jews to come over to my house and pin their yarmulkes back if they want to get it on.”
The well-known activist has a concerning history of antisemitism throughout the years.
In 1991, Sharpton supported Leonard Jeffries, a professor at New York City College, who infuriated people with his speech accusing wealthy Jews of controlling Hollywood and funding the slave trade, claiming that they had set up a system of devastation for Black people. In response to the criticism, he said, “Tell the Jews to come over to my house and pin their yarmulkes back if they want to get it on.”
The well-known activist has a concerning history of antisemitism throughout the years.
In 1991, Sharpton supported Leonard Jeffries, a professor at New York City College, who infuriated people with his speech accusing wealthy Jews of controlling Hollywood and funding the slave trade, claiming that they had set up a system of devastation for Black people. In response to the criticism, he said, “Tell the Jews to come over to my house and pin their yarmulkes back if they want to get it on.”
The well-known activist has a concerning history of antisemitism throughout the years.
In 1991, Sharpton supported Leonard Jeffries, a professor at New York City College, who infuriated people with his speech accusing wealthy Jews of controlling Hollywood and funding the slave trade, claiming that they had set up a system of devastation for Black people. In response to the criticism, he said, “Tell the Jews to come over to my house and pin their yarmulkes back if they want to get it on.”
The well-known activist has a concerning history of antisemitism throughout the years.
In 1991, Sharpton supported Leonard Jeffries, a professor at New York City College, who infuriated people with his speech accusing wealthy Jews of controlling Hollywood and funding the slave trade, claiming that they had set up a system of devastation for Black people. In response to the criticism, he said, “Tell the Jews to come over to my house and pin their yarmulkes back if they want to get it on.”
The well-known activist has a concerning history of antisemitism throughout the years.
In 1991, Sharpton supported Leonard Jeffries, a professor at New York City College, who infuriated people with his speech accusing wealthy Jews of controlling Hollywood and funding the slave trade, claiming that they had set up a system of devastation for Black people. In response to the criticism, he said, “Tell the Jews to come over to my house and pin their yarmulkes back if they want to get it on.”
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.