Conservative activists who are close to Project Veritas said the board probably wrongheadedly believed that theyd be viewed as the saviors of the organization, rescuing Project Veritas from a loose cannon CEO that threatened its non-profit status. James hasnt resigned, nor was he fired. Soul singer Beverley Knight was marrying her fianc James O'Keefe today, telling her fans: "I'm marrying the man of my dreams". While it sounds odd that a nonprofit would have profits, it is not. Copyright Townhall.com/Salem Media. 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. Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. James OKeefe and Ben Wetmore Get Married Jul 31, 2020 Ben Wetmore, the 28-year-old conservative activist whom James OKeefe called a mentor, has stayed OKeefe supposedly did not appreciate being asked to dial back his rather brash approach to asking donors for money and lashed out at the rest of PVs leadership. The third benefit: Tax exemption can provide a veneer of legitimacy to an organization by signaling to some potential donors that the federal government has approved of its activities. With double-lined 2.1mm solid fibreboard construction, you can count on the superior quality and lifespan of all our DURABOX products. Melissa McAtee Pfizer Insider I stand with James! At more than 45 minutes long, O'Keefe's remarks provide more information from his point of view about what's been going on, though he admits "none of this makes any sense, and why is it all happening right now? The remaining shell of Project Veritas will whither and die. The board has declared that he has had the opportunity to meet with its members to discuss allegations of financial misdeeds and mistreating staff members. OKeefe was engaged at the time and he and his fiance had sent out save-the-dates for the event. The boards statement said its serious concern about the companys financial health was a major source of its conflict with OKeefe. I cannot in good conscience return to such a mismanaged organization, OKeefe wrote. Quite a few. Im for James OKeefe starting a new company called Veritas Project. 2024 Polls Show DeSantis Cant Easily Knock Out Trump. I expect him to be out with something new in short order. OKeefe is fresh off one of his biggest stings ever, catching a research and development director from Pfizer admitting that the company is mutating COVID-19 to produce future vaccines. They plan to keep true to his mission. 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. That would kick things off on the right foot! 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. To the backstabbing traitors in the PV BOD: your names and reputations are eternally tarnished. So no one believes you. The whistleblowers appear to stand with James OKeefe. The state has a near-total abortion ban, and now activists and GOP officials are fighting an exemption for physician-defined medical emergencies. Slandering an organization without solid proof can get you into civil court. Its also after they sent out a letter pleading with donors to keep donating. Some employees, the source noted, loved the demanding atmosphere and brushed off unintended offenses. OKeefe is an American Icon and I nominate him for the American Medal of Freedom, Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Peace Prize. James OKeefe will carry on, and we will be there with him. The Spectator reviewed a copy of Project Veritass bylaws. Why did the board force out their founder? 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. 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 }. Thats the playbook. if I worked in a company that I needed to be a whistleblower, I would be going directly to OKeefe.NOT Veritas. It appears he was correct, but not for the reason he gave. JUST IN James O'Keefe has resigned from Project Veritas. She explains the press to the president, preaches Twitter-is-not-real-life, and keeps the West Wing from leaking. The Key Moments From Alex Murdaughs Testimony and Murder Trial. Things at Project Veritas have come to a head. King Charles Evicts Harry and Meghan From House They Dont Live In. Later, O'Keefe said the board accused him of using company funds to pay for a $12,000 down payment on his wedding In his speech on Monday, OKeefe said that he had clashed with the board over a number of issues related to his management and personal behavior, including his use of private jets and questions about girls Ive dated in the past. He said one officer of the nonprofit had sent a message to the board filled with bizarre innuendo and hyperbole about expenses he had charged to the organization. One source said that an internal messaging system used by employees had turned into an all-out brawl and a civil war, as OKeefes partisans attacked a faction of employees who had signed a highly detailed letter of complaint that described their boss as a power drunk tyrant. In his speech to his staff on Monday, OKeefe said he wrote a letter to all the members of the board, saying that if they did not resign en masse, he would be forced to walk away. Strack later reportedly described the message as an ultimatum.. Any idea how many great conservatives he has destroyed? In remarks that appeared to have been made at a Project Veritas office, OKeefe said the board had stripped him of all decision-making. TRUTH! Read More. "And then suddenly, an unusual emergency happened just a few days after that," O'Keefe said before outlining his timeline of how things unfolded. A staff memo outlined a concern about the founder's spending on "theatre stuff." Through whats known as the charitable deduction, donors can essentially get a subsidy from the federal government for their donations. 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. Dem Mayor Highlights the Importance of God: 'When We Took Prayers Out of East Palestine Residents Demand Norfolk Southern to Own Up to Their Mistake During FBI Whistleblower Claims Agency Used 'Threat Tag' to Focus On Pro-Lifers After Dobbs Pro-Lifers Issue Warnings After Ohio's 'Radical' Abortion Amendment Clears First Hurdle. 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. Someone on the point wanted J.O. 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. Its part of campaign to smoke out and then attack unpopular Republican cuts. 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. pic.twitter.com/kI38NwtF97. However, the wedding was called off. While OKeefe may have misused the groups funds, it looks like he did it without the boards knowledge or approval. DeSantis Promises Florida Will Control Disney Content. Allie Matthews. We have all worked directly with Project Veritas journalists and in many cases spent months working with them and also interacting with Mr. OKeefe both before going public and afterwards during various events. All Rights Reserved. February 20, 2023 It's a sad day. Kent Heckenlively JD, co-author for Cary Poarch, Ryan Hartwig, David Johnson and Zach Vorhies. Trevor Adams ESPN/Disney Insider 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. Woke Nazis infiltrate org and destroy the truth from within.. Unbelievable chet happening in the USA. OKeefe, who became a star on the right by targeting journalists and liberal groups in hidden-camera stings, was placed on paid leave earlier this month amid a Anthony DEsposito has a bill to keep Santos, a fellow Republican, from profiting off his lies. James will make his own wayas he always has before. The city threw out a Democratic mayor for the first time in decades. Periodically, we must employ comment moderation due to an influx of spammers. They have discredited and shamed themselves. His brand of provocative journalism changed the face of investigative reporting. silenced, embarrassed, compromised, and or ostracized and then went on their fishing expedition to make their plan seem legitimate. The remaining shell of Project Veritas will whither and die. The ceiling is gone. As painful as this experience must be for him, it would be hard to imagine a more powerful confirmation of the importance of the work he performed than this letter and the accompanying video from the whistleblowers. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. 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. This stand by the whistleblowers proves that the Board of PV has been corrupted, and are lying about James who has NOT been corrupted. Never have anything to do with it now that he is gone. However, the wedding was called off. The network has reportedly instituted a soft ban on Trump, a huge problem for his campaign and for Fox News if the policy backfires. The secretly-videotaped shotgun wedding was cooked up in order to score one of OKeefes more bizarre wingnut points: To prove that government bureaucrats in charge of administering marriage licenses dont care about love. Cary Poarch CNN Insider Of the several RIDICUOUS assertions about James OKeefe I have not responded privately or publicly because there is no rational appropriate response to the emotional circus that has been created by your actions.. Reached on his cell phone on Monday, a few minutes before his ouster became official, OKeefe refused to discuss whether he was preparing to exit. 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. He offered gold-wrapped candy bars in a stunt that showed he isnt a worthy successor to his dad. A source close to OKeefe chalked up most of the complaints to misunderstandings or personality differences. KatieRobbs2022, Have believed in James OKeef from the beginning and will continue. And just who exactly is/are this person or persons. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Copyright 2023 RedState.com/Salem Media. Preference cookies enable a website to remember information that changes the way the website behaves or looks, like your preferred language or the region that you are in. James OKeefe, the founder of Project Veritas, says he has been fired. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. On the inside? Its also after they sent out a letterpleading with donors to keep donating. We stand united with James OKeefe and his team of journalists, and we are confident they will continue to fight for the truth and expose corruption. Screw PV. A statement released by the Board alleged financial misappropriation and mistreatment of employees but his donors and followers arent buying it. When a board takes such damaging action, then backtracks, ethics guidelines require their resignations. Is This Why Joe Biden Won't Visit East Palestine? We sacrificed our jobs and our livelihoods in order to give James OKeefe hard evidence of fraud and corruption, at CBS news, Fox news, Google, Facebook, UPS, Pfizer, Hasbro, DHS, CNN, ESPN, HHS, and United Healthcare. "You are amazing people. All box sizes also offer an optional lid and DURABOX labels. This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. Or you can choose to leave the dividers out altogether. Everyone that matters is behind you. The ousting of O'Keefe, the organization's founder, has seen a drop in its social-media following. Many of us were reluctant to go public, but because of OKeefes dedication to journalistic integrity and honesty, we made the leap to go public with our stories, because we trusted him and the organization. I have not listed a Christmas party as a personal wedding expense,. You are confusing yourself as to me and someone else. OKeefe said the $12,000 expense was actually for a Project Veritas holiday party. If you continue to experience issues, contact us at 202-466-1032 or [email protected]. There's even more details in the full video starting around the 15:00 mark. Best hope that the I.R.S. Join The Spectator community and view or post a comment on this article. The board was also accused of being infiltrated by closeted liberals, or that they were taking out pro-Trump MAGA activists on behalf of Florida governor Ron DeSantis. First, these groups dont need to pay taxes on most of their revenue. The negative or thumbs down are from a fantasy world where Mr. OKeefe can do no wrong and above error and critique. 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. OKeefe also questioned the timing of the move against him, asking why he had been forced out soon after we broke the biggest story in our organizations history referring to an undercover sting operation against Pfizer. 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. Ocean's James Farina (back), shown defeating Kittatinny's Reece Smith 10-1 in a 144-pound first-round bout, advanced to the quarterfinals. He stayed true to his word and his undercover journalists went to great lengths to share our stories in the most compelling manner possible. On the other hand, OKeefe will no doubt land on his feet. O'Keefe acknowledged in a long video posted to the Vimeo video platform that he had been forced out. But then something changed in the last three weeks. Yes, On 8 September 2012, Knight married James OKeefe. Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) February 20, 2023. Photo by Alamy Beverley Knight, MBE was born Yes, On 8 September 2012, Knight married James OKeefe. Who Is James OKeefes Wife? Beverly Knight. Photo by Alamy Beverley Knight, MBE was born Beverley Anne Smith, 22 March 1973 in Wolverhampton, England. Beverley is is an English recording artist and musical theatre actress. OKeefe WILL move on and live to expose more CORRUPTION another day. James OKeefe will carry on, and we will be there with him. It is clear abuse of the board function. I follow James OKeefe but not Project Veritos anymore. Jeanne Stagg United Healthcare/LDH Insider I got a chuckle out of this. But, in fact, tax exemption does not represent any type of government approval. Vish Burra, the congressmans director of operations, met me on Staten Island to explain the plan to make Santos president? Email. That video was watched tens of millions of times, representing a boon for Project Veritas. Strack said that more than 16 employees provided feedback, and that "this letter was not the only feedback collected." James OKeefe, who founded the undercover journalism organization, has officially resigned after internal tensions broke out into the open recently. The good folks should bail now, and the rest can go down with the ship. A Twitter post by Neil McCabe, a former Project Veritas spokesman who now works for the One America News Network, reported on Monday that OKeefe read his resignation letter to his former team and board members at their Mamaroneck, N.Y. headquarters on Monday morning. 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. Thought-provoking commentary and opinion on politics, books and the arts. Separately, three former Project Veritas employees describeda similar workplace as outlined in the internal memo to The Spectator. April Moss CBS Insider OKeefe also said he was accused of misusing funds for his wedding but that hes never been married. Please make sure your computer, VPN, or Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who actually do. 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. So where is Mr. OKeefes court injunction to stop this alleged slander and defamation. With more than 50 million views, "our video became a global phenomenon," O'Keefe noted. The mission will perhaps take on a new name, and it may be no longer called Project Veritas," he explained. Project Veritas claims exemption as an educational organization. James OKeefe Leaves His Post as the Leader of Project Veritas Mr. OKeefe had been the face of the group of conservative provocateurs since he founded 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. Project Veritas Staff Begs James OKeefe to Return, PCE Runs Hot: Inflation Is Not Going Away in 2023, One State Will Make It illegal for Vaccinated Donors to Give Blood, Rumors Are That John Fetterman Is Essentially Brain Dead, They Set Us Up! Bombshell J6 Footage Shows Metro Police Discussion, Prophylaxis Nasal Spray Might Put an End to Vaccines, Fetterman Is Sponsoring Bills, Signing Legislation from a Psych Ward Now. Dont give up & dont change! My Mom was one of James first supporters, and he sent her several personal emails in the early days, as well as hand signed letters. network allows javascript and allows content to be delivered from v144.philanthropy.com and chronicle.blueconic.net. Taking James OKeefe away from Project Veritas is like taking Patrick Mahomes from the Kansas City Chiefs. Judas Iscariots ALL. If you dont see your language, email [email protected] we will add it. High-level disputes between our leader and founder, James OKeefe, and the volunteer Board of Directors who are responsible for oversight of the nonprofit have resulted in James no longer being here., James is not only the founder of Project Veritas but the creative visionary of our mission. Ha. Posted by Kane on February 25, 2023 4:42 pmNEWS JUNKIES -- CHECK OUT OUR HOMEPAGE. 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 Correction: Board minutes show OKeefe was placed on unpaid leave, not paid leave as the article originally stated. God Bless James. I feel that the board is about as transparent as Biden, Kamila or Smilely empty Secretary Pete. Aaron Stevenson DHS insider The most likely cause of this is a content blocker on your computer or network. However, R.C. Ive never been married, he said. 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. We are unable to fully display the content of this page. So why did they suddenly want that? Its all about not looking soft on crime. [email protected] pic.twitter.com/m7mIRrBS9r, James OKeefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) February 24, 2023. Maybe you can go find the answers.. He was previously married to Jan Kelly. Overall, staff at the company seem split in their attitudes toward OKeefes departure. DURABOX products are manufactured in Australia from more than 60% recycled materials. Perhaps some further explanation will be revealed soon, but Im not sure Project Veritas stays relevant without the person who has been behind its success. You\'ll receive the next newsletter in your inbox. However, the wedding was called off. And a linguist named Emily M. Bender is very worried what will happen when we forget this. Project Veritas claims its videos reveal that the pharmaceutical company is conducting gain-of-function research as part of its vaccine science, a charge Pfizer strongly denies. WebPablo Martinez Monsivais/AP. Need more information or looking for a custom solution? Thank you., Its been a pleasure dealing with Krosstech., We are really happy with the product. So why has he not started judicial proceedings to stop the allegations of wrong doing ? Hes started new ventures before, and his strategy is tested and proven. They were very sneaky, as woke cowards can be 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. Choose from more than 150 sizes and divider configurations in the DURABOX range. OKeefe was apparently warned about his spending on travel on numerous occasions over the years, including the use of black cars, private planes and top-dollar hotel suites. Hope that pfizer money was worth it to the board. Mike Pences 2024 Strategy Totally Depends on Iowa Evangelicals. Terms of Service apply. 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. None of this makes any sense, and why is it all happening right now? OKeefe asked. Fire the board. Ivory Hecker Fox News Insider 1,539 words On February 10, Project Veritas Board of Directors forced James OKeefe out of the organization he founded in 2010. Where you go. They wont have jobs after this Im sorry, Im getting emotional, he said, his voice cracking. In his video, OKeefe told his staff that he was packing up his personal effects. OKeefe was engaged at the time and he and his fiance had sent out save-the-dates for the event. Conservatives most definitely stand with James Okeefe. How far Project Veritas representing the Ancient Greek Goddess of Truth has fallen to become the defacto Project Dolos representing the Ancient Greek Spirit of Deception. Second, and likely more important, it means that donations to Project Veritas are tax deductible for many wealthy supporters. Visit my archives for more of my latest articles and help out by following me on Twitter @bonchieredstate. Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world. OKeefe allegedly dropped significant money traveling with large entourages to public events and conferences, as well as putting together music videos and dance events (much has been written about OKeefes childhood dream of being a musical performer). They refused. 1,539 words On February 10, Project Veritas Board of Directors forced James OKeefe out of the organization he founded in 2010. Feb 20, 2023 BREAKING: James O'Keefe REMOVED from Project Veritas following Board dispute James O'Keefe founded Project Veritas in 2011 and was its CEO. The prevailing concern is for the future of the organization. Instead, furious conservatives have scrutinized their motivations and publicly stood with OKeefe. 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. Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: As part of your account, youll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime. Donald Trump Jr. They have discredited and shamed themselves. project veritas, brought to you by pfizer The rout ultimately escalated to OKeefe firing Project Veritass chief strategy officer Barry Hinckley and chief financial officer Tom OHara. 16 members signed a letter outlining complaints about O'Keefe's leadership. ", BREAKING: James O'Keefe out at Project Veritas: "I've been stripped of my authority as CEO and removed from the Board of Directors" pic.twitter.com/pnVba2V9Ed. PV IS NOTHING without James OKeefe. He has built a record of honesty and bravery. That currency of trust cant be bought with money, and we knew James would never sell us out, and he never did. A former employee told The Spectator that while they personally couldnt work for OKeefe, with the benefit of hindsight they felt the allegations of abuse were overblown. "And from the looks of things, many of us remain completely undefeated and unbroken. On February 15, the nonprofits executive director, Daniel Strack, posted a conciliatory letter, saying that James has not been removed from Project Veritas and avowing that members of the nonprofits board all love James. Sources familiar with the organizations internal workings said, however, that a battle was raging behind the veneer of civility. The Internal Revenue Service could investigate the allegations if it wanted to do so. The board says OKeefe did not have the authority to fire those officers. This article is republished from the Conversation under a Creative Commons license. You said alleged then later you said that if the IRS gets involved, it will be bad. Why has James OKeefe not filed in a civil court petition for slander and defamation of character as to those who alleged he acted in violation of the corporate charter and internal rules of governance, accounting standards, etc ? Does he fear the civil court due process of discovery as to the facts of the matter ?