This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, a controversy erupted in New York City over the funding of bus trips for protesters opposing a proposed fur ban.
A person with direct knowledge of the fur industry efforts revealed that Mr. King of Mercury had arranged for a payment to M.P.A.C., a group led by Pastor Green. When asked if he paid the preacher group, Mr. King released a statement saying, “I don’t know who contributes to M.P.A.C., but they should get donations for the amazing work that they do.”
According to the source, Pastor Green declined to say who funded the excursion, stating, “Who paid for it, how it was paid for, how much is inconsequential,” the pastor said. “What’s important is that people who needed to have food had food. People who were interested in advocating against the ban on fur got on the buses.”
Mr. Green also added, “Our people like fur,” Mr. Green said. “I think that they underestimated our opinion on this matter.”
Matthew Dominguez, a political adviser for Voters for Animal Rights, responded to the allegations, saying, “Whether or not it was a lobbyist that tried to create that narrative, it is a narrative,” said Matthew Dominguez. “We will not tell them they are wrong.”
As a counteroffensive, Voters for Animal Rights has mounted a campaign. A group board member, Jabari Brisport, wrote in an email that he “found it insulting that the fur trade would use my community as a smoke screen to defend this exploitive industry,” and sought other black animal rights activists to help formulate a response.
