
Israel Folau’s representatives have released a statement following the removal of his controversial campaign on crowdfunding website, GoFundMe.
The site released a statement to The Age on Monday morning about their decision.
“Today we will be closing Israel Folau’s campaign and issuing full refunds to all donors. After a routine period of evaluation, we have concluded that this campaign violates our terms of service,” GoFundMe Australia regional manager Nicola Britton said.
“As a company, we are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity. While we welcome GoFundMes engaging in diverse civil debate, we do not tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion.”
“In the days since Mr Folau’s campaign launched, more than one million dollars have been donated to hundreds of other campaigns, large and small, across Australia. Those acts of kindness are the heart of GoFundMe.
“Our platform exists to help people help others. Australians have shown themselves to be among the most kind and generous people in the world. We look forward to helping more Australians fundraise for causes they care about in the coming months and years.”
Folau’s appeal for donations came after the termination of his Rugby Australia contract. On Sunday evening, Folau’s donations had exceeded $650,000, making his page the top trending campaign on GoFundMe.
On Monday afternoon, Folau’s representatives released a statement that read, “The decision of GoFundMe to cancel Israel’s fundraising campaign to support his Legal Action Fund is very disappointing.
“The fundraising campaign was in line with GoFundMe’s terms and conditions, as well as all relevant rules and regulations.
“There appears to be a continuing campaign of discrimination against Israel and his supporters.
“Further, Israel’s website has been the target of what we believe was a sustained cyberattack and there has been a deliberate attempt to vilify his wife Maria for supporting her husband.
“While Israel does not intend to respond in detail at this time regarding the accusations thrown at him or his family, he wants it known that these attacks have hardened his resolve.
“Thankfully, several organisations have already expressed interesting in supporting Israel’s efforts to raise money for his ongoing legal case.”
It is unclear at this stage what organisations are interested in supporting Folau’s legal funds.
Top Comments
He's been discriminated against for not having the right to discriminate?
So the discriminator is facing discrimination. Oh the irony.