To learn more about the accusations against OKeefe and what the legal consequences might be for the tax-exempt organization, the Conversation asked nonprofit law scholar Samuel Brunson five questions to explain the situation and the issues it raises. Editors note: This article is part of a partnership the Chronicle has forged with the Conversation and the Associated Press to expand coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits. See what FASB Not for Profit Accounting Standards and Reporting has to say by way of the AICPA. Public figure. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. How does Project Veritas retain donors and respect in the conservative community without its much admired founder? Concerned he would lose the He has built a record of honesty and bravery. HONESTY! And a chatbot is not a human. Mr OKeefe alleged financial improprieties as reported to the board of directors by the corporate treasurer puts the 501(c) (3) Not for Profit status in legal jeopardy. WebO'Keefe did not respond to Insider's request for comment. Multiple individuals familiar with the Highlands Country Club expense say it was originally supposed to be a down payment for OKeefes wedding. People close to OKeefe, however, dont put much stock in the memo. Thank you., Its been a pleasure dealing with Krosstech., We are really happy with the product. These included, and you cant make this up, that Project Veritas paid for James OKeefes down payment of his wedding, OKeefe said. The board may have their obligations, but we are Project Veritas. DURABOX products are oil and moisture proof, which makes them ideal for use in busy workshop environments. @OANN However, the wedding was called off. There doesnt seem to be a better way to describe the recent turmoil at Project Veritas, the conservative journalism organization known for its undercover sting operations. Too bad it happened to Proj Veritas but it also happened to Glenn Greenwald and hes bounced backso will Mr. OKeefe! For that reason alone, I can no longer trust their judgment. CPAC founder Matt Schlapp has announced on Monday that Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe, who was ousted after what appeared to be a Board of Directors coup last week, will be speaking at this week's CPAC in Washington, DC. This article is republished from the Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Slandering an organization without solid proof can get you into civil court. But, in fact, tax exemption does not represent any type of government approval. He is no longer leading the conservative nonprofit organization, which is known for its use of hidden cameras and false identities to try to catch members of the media and progressive leaders saying embarrassing things and to expose their supposed liberal biases. It is clear abuse of the board function. All Rights Reserved. The Key Moments From Alex Murdaughs Testimony and Murder Trial. OKeefe was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation, which the board says is standard procedure after the CEO is accused of violating organizational bylaws. Separately, three former Project Veritas employees describeda similar workplace as outlined in the internal memo to The Spectator. It can pay its employees, but the staff and its leaders cannot receive unreasonable compensation or any other type of benefit that looks like the tax-exempt organization is sharing its profits with them. Without James OKeefe, there is no Project Veritas. Hes started new ventures before, and his strategy is tested and proven. OKeefeTips@protonmail.com Encrypted messages can be also be sent to me on He was a producer and director, known for Perfect Strangers (1986), Family Matters (1989) and Cover Up (1984). February 24, 2023 4 The Project Veritas staff sent out a new message to the public saying they will never replace James OKeefe and will always hold open the door for him. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. You may then be asked to log in, create an account if you don't already have one, That video (embedded in full below) was subsequently posted and picked up by others online. OKeefe also indicated in the video, which he said was being recorded on February 20, 2023, that he may intend to launch a new organization. Where you go. There doesnt seem to be a better way to describe the recent turmoil at Project Veritas, the conservative journalism organization known for its undercover sting operations. The Tax Court, a federal court that adjudicates tax disputes, has explained that a charity does not lose its exemption just because an officer of the charity has skimmed or embezzled or otherwise stolen from the charity. Unless there is some evidence that Project Veritas deliberately allowed OKeefe to use its resources for personal consumption, I suspect the IRS will not pursue this. On Wednesday night, James OKeefe, author and founder of non-profit organization Project Veritas, visited campus for a talk hosted by the Dartmouth College Republicans. Walgreens Wont Sell Abortion Pills in Red States Even Where Its Legal. Needless to say we will be dealing with you again soon., Krosstech has been excellent in supplying our state-wide stores with storage containers at short notice and have always managed to meet our requirements., We have recently changed our Hospital supply of Wire Bins to Surgi Bins because of their quality and good price. described their boss as a power drunk tyrant., reportedly invited a host of Republican stars, Project Veritas purchase of a diary stolen from Ashley Biden, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. That said, based on the publicly available facts, I cant yet tell whether Project Veritas has violated the rules governing tax-exempt status. Kate Bedingfield, Bidens Translator, Leaves the White House. 1,324 following. Florida Republican Wants to Cancel Democrats Over Slavery. And it's wonderful to see. The former VP has an extremely narrow path to viability in 2024. With double-lined 2.1mm solid fibreboard construction, you can count on the superior quality and lifespan of all our DURABOX products. I cant, said longtime board member George Skakel before hanging up the phone. Take him back with restrictions on his authority to spend money. On Wednesday, Project Veritas released a video showing that its founder, James OKeefe, as well as fellow Project Veritas journalists were threatened with arrest as they went to confront a Connecticut elementary school assistant principal over his discriminatory hiring practices. If you continue to experience issues, contact us at 202-466-1032 or help@chronicle.com. I stand with James! Project Veritas is dead. https://thespectator.com/topic/james-okeefe-project-veritas-ouster/, US edition of the world's oldest magazine, Inside the James OKeefe ouster at Project Veritas, Exclusive: GOP questions health officials on Project Veritass Pfizer bombshell, The Katie Porter scandal everyone is ignoring, Very positive: Nebraska AG on oral arguments against student debt forgiveness, Inside the legal fight for a race-neutral America, Mostly a farce: Vivek Ramaswamy on Vanguards withdrawal from ESG fund, How Pat Buchanan redefined the twenty-first century, The California rush to replace Dianne Feinstein. HEROISM! Anthony DEsposito has a bill to keep Santos, a fellow Republican, from profiting off his lies. Wow. Copyright 2023 RedState.com/Salem Media. OKeefeTips@protonmail.com pic.twitter.com/m7mIRrBS9r, James OKeefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) February 24, 2023. DeSantis Promises Florida Will Control Disney Content. You say you are not you, but you seem to be insider to knowledge. They have discredited and shamed themselves. James O'Keefe the infamous exposer of liberal wrongs who founded Project Veritas in 2010 and developed the organization into a fearsome specter to mainstream media, progressive organizations, and Democrat politicians announced on Monday that he had been "removed" by his organization's board and has "no position here based upon what the board has done. OKeefe was engaged at the time and he and his fiance had sent out save-the-dates for the event. Im not a whistleblower, although I would be if I had the goods on the deep state globalist cabal, and Ive always stood with James OKeeffe! Second, and likely more important, it means that donations to Project Veritas are tax deductible for many wealthy supporters. That currency of trust cant be bought with money, and we knew James would never sell us out, and he never did. Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user's experience more efficient. Godspeed James. Among the developments recounted by O'Keefe that came in a series of board meetings and in communications between board members is the allegation that he once "stole a pregnant woman's sandwich in federal court," and used company funds for a wedding, though O'Keefe is unmarried. Im with james okeefe only. As Julio reported last week, the Project Veritas board issued a statement about O'Keefe that portrayed him as simply taking well-earned time off, even though O'Keefe said the board had already acted to strip or suspend his authority within the organization without noting such developments in its public statements. Correction: Board minutes show OKeefe was placed on unpaid leave, not paid leave as the article originally stated. He was not forced out., Since its already out there, here are my heartfelt remarks to my staff this morning.I need to make clear I have not resigned from the company, Project Veritas, I founded 13 years ago. Visit my archives for more of my latest articles and help out by following me on Twitter @bonchieredstate. City to Pay Millions to Protesters Kettled by NYPD in 2020. DURABOX products are designed and manufactured to stand the test of time. The bylaws say, Unless otherwise specified by the Board of Directors, each officer shall be elected or appointed to hold office until the annual meeting of the Board of Directors next following his election or appointment Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors with or without cause.. OKeefes departure leaves the future of Project Veritas in serious doubt. Internet dating history claims about James O'Keefe. Would love your thoughts, please comment. According to U.S. Treasury Department regulations, an organization that advocates for a particular viewpoint can be educational for exemption purposes, even though it advocates a particular position or viewpoint, as long as it fully presents the facts in a way that allows listeners to make an informed conclusion. They wont have jobs after this Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article. In remarks that appeared to have been made at a Project Veritas office, OKeefe said the board had stripped him of all decision-making. Im sorry, Im getting emotional, he said, his voice cracking. Maxwell, a Project Veritas spokesman who is close to OKeefe, tweeted later on Monday that OKeefe had not resigned but rather had been removed from his position as CEO by the Project Veritas board., This is not accurate.James was removed from his position as CEO by the Project Veritas board.They are in charge now https://t.co/cJ1oNUkBPd, OKeefe subsequently posted a video of his speech announcing his departure to his employees. In somewhat the same manner as many of his legendary narrative-shattering exposs, O'Keefe read resignation remarks on-camera as he explained his side of the fraught situation to some Project Veritas staff in the organization's offices. Bless the people who are standing with Him May the traitors that did him in be eliminated and realize the damage they did. James O'Keefe explains the events that led to the board at Project Veritas forcing him out: He fired a member of the board who disagreed with him about fundraising and that they tried to fire him while he was on a plane. Im not married. (In fact, OKeefe reportedly invited a host of Republican stars, including Donald Trump Jr. and Clarence Thomas, to a wedding planned for May 2020, which was later called off.) "Journalism is reporting things powerful people want kept hidden for the wrong reasons moral wrongs, bad behaviors as journalists, we're custodians of the public's conscience," O'Keefe said reading from prepared remarks in which he explained he "was stripped of all decision-making last week" and subsequently "stripped" of his "authority as CEO and removed from the board of directors.". if they wish it, pfizer will flush veritas will dwarf the largest figures PV ever saw. OKeefe was placed on paid leave in early February after what people close to the organization described as a blowup in which he summarily fired a pair of top employees, including the groups chief financial officer. In its statement, the board said it wants to work things out with James, and has tried every route possible to remedy the issues at hand, but had a legal obligation to comply with state and federal law that governs spending at nonprofit organizations. Its not atypical for an organizations top fundraiser to travel in style when meeting with high-level donors and OKeefes allies argue that his packed travel and work schedule certainly called for well-appointed accommodations. During that time, Project Veritas has been divided between a group of OKeefe loyalists and a large group of dissenters on the staff and board who chafed at the founders erratic management style, spending, and penchant for costly confrontation with ideological adversaries and his own employees. James O'Keefe was born on 11 January 1943 in Los Angeles, California, USA. A staff memo outlined a concern about the founder's spending on "theatre stuff." Hes the reason that PV exists, and he will prevail because of the support from the people. Jodi OMalley HHS Vaccine Insider That battle has now come to a head. Tyrmand and Skekelthey look like bloated admin pigs. We played a small but crucial role in the organization when we were given the opportunity to share our stories, but OKeefes removal from the organization has dealt a devastating blow to future whistleblowers who now may have doubts about the organization and its leadership. This boardnot too bright or just bought off. Soul singer Beverley Knight was marrying her fianc James O'Keefe today, telling her fans: "I'm marrying the man of my dreams". Ms. Lerner may be out, but Im sure she taught her replacements well. A New York Teacher Manipulated Student to Become Trans, Causing Her to Become Walgreens Says It Will Not Dispense Abortion Pills in Several States, Biden's FAA Nominee Can't Answer a Single Question About Aviation, The Part of CNN's Interview With Bill Maher That Trump Supporters Probably Won't Like. James OKeefe, the founder of Project Veritas, says he has been fired. The law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. For example, OKeefe said in his farewell address that the boards claim that he was reimbursed for a down payment on his wedding venue was bogus. They have discredited and shamed themselves. Non-profits are required to have a governing board. The grievances are added to the list as quickly and often as possible so that the accused will feel overwhelmed and the outside observers will be impressed by the quantity of accusations rather than their merit or significance. Of all the times for there to be tension inside the organization, this would seem like the least likely. Personally, I suspect the Bidet Administration threatened them, and they caved.. What is left of Project Veritas will never be able to do what has been done before because there is now in the organization a person (or persons) who will either squelch a plan before it can get started or tip off the target if the target individual or organization is one of the untouchables. Multiple individuals familiar with the Highlands Country Club expense say itwas originally supposed to be a down payment for OKeefes wedding. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The news today follows the announcement on February 9th that James OKeefe was being put on leave by the Project Veritas board of directors {link}, and then another announcement on February 15th by Project Veritas claiming the board of directors had no issues with OKeefe { link }. Hundreds of people violently detained during a protest in the Bronx could receive $21,500 each. Members of the Project Veritas board either did not return messages or declined to comment on rumors. Plays Incompetent Willy Wonka at CPAC. Later, O'Keefe said the board accused him of using company funds to pay for a $12,000 down payment on his wedding They have no supporters left, anyway. So, O'Keefe explained, "on Presidents Day, Im packing up my personal belongings here" as he recounted highs and lows from his career since he founded Project Veritas. We are unable to fully display the content of this page. On the inside? It was reported that O'Keefe was on paid leave. We have a multi-language translator on the top left. A federal criminal investigation related to Project Veritas purchase of a diary stolen from Ashley Biden, the presidents daughter, is looming over OKeefe and others who worked on the investigation. They stole the operation. They are also fire resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures. I cannot in good conscience return to such a mismanaged organization, OKeefe wrote. Dont give up & dont change! This entire situation confuses me. Or you can choose to leave the dividers out altogether. Photo by Alamy Beverley Knight, MBE was born Im for James OKeefe starting a new company called Veritas Project. He offered gold-wrapped candy bars in a stunt that showed he isnt a worthy successor to his dad. They plan to keep true to his mission. So I am not confusions you. Even if the Pfizer videos had nothing to do with it, surely the board members were smart enough to realize that this is how it would appear. She has kept the venue for her wedding secret. Judicial discovery will reveal what the issues are If Mr. OKeefe wins his case for slander, then an injunction can be issued against those who have slandered him. Our reporting ultimately suggests that neither the board nor OKeefe were entirely forthcoming about all of the allegations. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Biden Chooses Crime Messaging Over D.C. Home Rule. I'll be back after my honeymoon. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the day's top stories sent directly to you. But then something changed in the last three weeks. Last year, it lost a trial in a civil case brought by a Democratic campaign organization that Project Veritas infiltrated during the 2016 presidential campaign. The state has a near-total abortion ban, and now activists and GOP officials are fighting an exemption for physician-defined medical emergencies. One source even suggested OKeefe had saved the organization money by agreeing to repurpose his former wedding venue, noting that the PV Christmas party the following year was far more costly than the 2021 event at Highlands Country Club. A source close to OKeefe chalked up most of the complaints to misunderstandings or personality differences. The negative or thumbs down are from a fantasy world where Mr. OKeefe can do no wrong and above error and critique. Time to place flowers on the grave and move on. That video was watched tens of millions of times, representing a boon for Project Veritas. My guess, he will not rest until he EXPOSES board members gifts from Pfizer. Im not done, he said. BREAKING: The Whistleblowers of Project Veritas released new video standing with James OKeefepic.twitter.com/2DaV15WaCC, Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) February 24, 2023. In one alleged incident that was reported to the board, staff claimed OKeefe was furious that his assistant got pregnant and thus had to take time off work and subsequently warned other women in the office that they better not follow suit. God Bless your courage and integrity you are brave and honest. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. His brand of provocative journalism changed the face of investigative reporting. And how about that sandwich James supposedly stole from a pregnant woman? The FBI raided the home of Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe as part of a federal investigation into the stolen diary of President Biden's daughter, Ashley Biden. The board, meanwhile, didnt take real action against OKeefes alleged malfeasance until he fired two of their allies. He always had our back. The truth of the expense was that it was a payment for our annual PV Christmas party at the Highland Country Club in December of 2021.. Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission. Samuel Brunson is a professor of law at Loyola University Chicago. A boards major focus is on finances to ensure the money is handled properly and reported. Analytics cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This board used convenient ethics claims to disrupt the operation, and try a coup on the boss. Theyre going through like a million bucks a month.. Project Veritas follower count dropped by over 130,000 people in the hours following the news that OKeefe had been removed from the company. On Tuesday January 31, OKeefe and Project Veritas board members and officers clashed in a meeting about the organizations fundraising methods. Thats because the government cannot deny tax-exempt status on the basis of ideological disagreement. Judas Iscariots ALL. @OANN Project veritas csn just close their doors if James isnt there. Meanwhile, the board was speaking to staff members about OKeefes alleged mistreatment of employees. The PV cabal had all of the typical manifestations of a decision making body having made a decision for a desired outcome before having evaluated the evidence and then seeking information that would justify the desired outcome no matter how tenuous, marginal, misrepresented, or irrelevant the information is. "And from the looks of things, many of us remain completely undefeated and unbroken. However, the wedding was called off. OKeefe was engaged at the time and he and his fiance had sent out save-the-dates for the event. We are still questioning the facts and hope that more information will come to light and that both parties can come to an understanding. #ArrestKatieHobbs, The Truth will set you free. They independently referred to OKeefe as abusive and sociopathic and were troubled that OKeefe had dismissed staff concerns as merely a product of him being too busy or not a compassionate enough boss. "The only thing that has changed is we broke the biggest story in our organization's history," he said of the recent Project Veritas expos of Pfizer. They plan to keep true to his mission. She got engaged to production technician Mr O'Keefe in November 2010. Some employees, the source noted, loved the demanding atmosphere and brushed off unintended offenses. The city threw out a Democratic mayor for the first time in decades. Concerned he would lose the $12,557.06 deposit on the venue, OKeefe suggested instead using the country club for Project Veritass annual Christmas party. So no one believes you. Meanwhile, members of OKeefes inner circle over the years scoffed at the notion that he did not understand the boards concerns about his near-constant use of black cars while on company business. The video shows the bride and groom getting ADVERTISEMENT. For Americas wage laborers, a 32-hour workweek is less of a beautiful dream than an oppressive reality. O'Keefe also revealed a Project Veritas officer sent an email to the board alleging that Project Veritas funds had been used to pay the down payment for O'Keefe's Then they backtracked after firing the boss, proving that their action was improper. Through whats known as the charitable deduction, donors can essentially get a subsidy from the federal government for their donations. Others believe the board is not acting in good faith and merely seized on a convenient opportunity OKeefes firing of Hinckley and OHara to oust the one person standing in the way of complete control of Project Veritas. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Surely Mr OKeefe values his good name and excellent reputation so as to vindicate himself of alleged wrong. The good folks should bail now, and the rest can go down with the ship. A statement released by the Board alleged financial misappropriation and mistreatment of employees but his donors and followers arent buying it. Project Veritas claims exemption as an educational organization. Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) February 20, 2023 Exclusive: @JamesOKeefeIII, my friend and former boss at @Project_Veritas, just read his resignation letter to his former team and board members at their Mamaroneck, N.Y. headquarters. Conservatives most definitely stand with James Okeefe. The three organizations receive support for this work from the Lilly Endowment. OKeefeisProject Veritas, after all and hes been the same person for over a decade. She wrote on her Twitter page today: "Luvs, today I marry the man of my dreams. It sparked a war of words that quickly got personal. Parents and patients are now refuting her key claims. This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. "James is the hardest working person I have ever met.
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