GoFundMe Removes Fake Fundraiser Following Angie Stone’s Death, Bans Organizer
A fraudulent GoFundMe campaign created in the wake of Grammy-nominated singer Angie Stone’s tragic death has been swiftly shut down by the crowdfunding platform. GoFundMe confirmed that the organizer behind the deceptive campaign has been permanently banned from any future fundraising activities on the site.
The fake GoFundMe, titled "Support Angie Stone’s Legacy After Tragic Loss," managed to accumulate over $12,000 in donations before it was flagged and removed, according to a report by TMZ. Stone, a beloved figure in the music industry, passed away in a car crash early Saturday morning near Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 63.
GoFundMe issued a statement to USA TODAY on Thursday, outlining the actions taken in response to the fraudulent activity. "The fundraiser has been removed from the platform, all donations have been refunded, and the organizer has been banned from any future fundraising," the spokesperson stated. They further emphasized that "At no point did the organizer have access to any of the donations."
The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy platform for fundraising, asserting that "GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and takes swift action against those who seek to take advantage of the generosity of our community."
While acknowledging that such instances of misuse are rare, the GoFundMe spokesperson assured users that both donors and beneficiaries are fully protected by the platform’s "Giving Guarantee." This guarantee ensures that donations are used for the intended purpose or are refunded to donors if misuse is detected.
GoFundMe is actively monitoring the platform for any other fundraisers related to Stone’s death and has pledged to promptly remove any that violate its terms of service. This proactive approach aims to prevent further exploitation of the tragedy and safeguard the generosity of donors.
The tragic car accident that claimed Angie Stone’s life occurred on Interstate 65, five miles south of Montgomery. Stone and her band members were traveling from Mobile, Alabama, to Atlanta when their Mercedes Benz Sprinter van collided with a semi-truck, according to Lt. Jeremy Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
The impact caused the van to flip over before colliding with the truck. Stone, who was a passenger in the van, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other eight passengers in the van sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
The news of Stone’s passing has deeply affected her family, friends, and fans alike. Her children, Diamond Stone and Michael Archer, released a heartfelt statement through her label, the SRG-ILS Group, expressing their profound grief and disbelief. "Never in a million years did we ever expect to get this horrible news. Our mom is and will always be our everything. We are still trying to process and are completely heartbroken," the statement read.
Stone had recently performed at a Mardi Gras event in Mobile, Alabama, on Friday night, as announced by the Mobile-Area Mardi Gras Association on Facebook. Her unexpected death has left a void in the hearts of many, prompting an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fellow musicians, celebrities, and public figures.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, a close friend and colleague of Stone, paid homage to the late singer on her official website. "Thank you for your voice, your strength, and your artistry. Your incredible legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Angie Stone," the message read.
In addition to their musical connection, Stone and Beyoncé co-starred in the 2003 film "The Fighting Temptations." Other prominent figures who honored Stone’s memory include Tyler Perry, Jennifer Hudson, Sherri Shepherd, Rev. Bernice King, Rickey Smiley, and Patrice Lovely.
Tyler Perry shared a touching Facebook post reflecting on Stone’s impact on his life and work. "When I write a movie, I usually choose an artist to listen to that helps me see the world I’m creating," Perry wrote. "I’ve always loved Angie and her music… I don’t know what’s going on with so many people leaving this planet, but what I do know is that death is a door that we all will face one day. And I pray that my life has touched folks the way she touched so many."
The swift action taken by GoFundMe to remove the fraudulent fundraiser and ban the organizer demonstrates the platform’s commitment to protecting its users from exploitation and ensuring that donations reach their intended beneficiaries. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying the legitimacy of online fundraising campaigns before making a donation.
Angie Stone’s legacy as a talented singer, songwriter, and actress will undoubtedly endure, and her contributions to the music industry and entertainment world will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. The outpouring of love and support following her death is a testament to the profound impact she had on countless individuals.
