The founder of the left-leaning Women’s March is calling for the ouster of the current leaders of the anti-Trump movement, citing their long history of “anti-Semitism” and “racist rhetoric.”
In a Facebook post published Monday, Teresa Shook claimed Tamika Mallory, Linda Sarsour, Bob Bland and Carmen Perez “have steered the movement away from its true course.”
“In opposition to our unity principles,” she wrote, “they have allowed anti-Semitism, anti-LGBTQIA sentiment and hateful, racist rhetoric to become a part of the platform by their refusal to separate themselves from groups that espouse these racist, hateful beliefs.”
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Shook went on to call for new leadership in order to “restore” followers’ faith in the Women’s March.
Mallory faced intense criticism in March, after she attended a speech delivered by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who was delivering a Saviour’s Day address during which he attacked “powerful Jews” for running the government and Hollywood.
He also claimed Jewish people are “responsible for all the filth and degenerate behavior that Hollywood is putting out — turning men into women and women into men.”
CNN anchor Jake Tapper called out Mallory for attending the speech as well as Sarsour, who defended Mallory and has for years maintained a close relationship with Farrakhan.
This is another good question when it comes to @WomensMarch leaders @TamikaDMallory/@lsarsour support for Farrakhan — in addition to his anti-Semitism he espouses misogynistic and anti-LGBTQ views.
How is that true to the cause of the @WomensMarch? https://t.co/u81V2Vl3Mp
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 4, 2018
Shook’s statement against the current leaders of the Women’s March comes just days after actor and activist Alyssa Milano, who spoke at the anti-Trump rally in January, said she would not support the group until it has “adequately” distanced itself from Farrakhan.
“Any time there is any bigotry or anti-Semitism in that respect,” Milano told Advocate, “it needs to be called out and addressed.”
The former “Charmed” star said she will not speak at any Women’s March event until the current leaders have either stepped aside or fully disavowed the Nation of Islam leader.