- GoFundMe explained why it removed fundraisers for Kyle Rittenhouse's legal fees last year.
- GoFundMe said it removed "hundreds" of fundraisers that supported those charged with violent crime in 2020.
- Now that Rittenhouse has been acquitted, GoFundMe will allow all future fundraisers to cover his legal fees.
In the wake of Kyle Rittenhouse's full acquittal, GoFundMe explained why it removed online fundraisers for the teen's legal fees last year.
"GoFundMe's Terms of Service prohibit raising money for the legal defense of an alleged violent crime," according to a statement posted to Medium Friday.
The statement went on to say that once charges of violent crime were brought against Rittenhouse in 2020, the company removed any active fundraisers that were started for his legal defense in compliance with their Terms of Service.
If someone with those charges were to be acquitted, "a fundraiser started subsequently for their legal defense and other expenses would not violate this policy," GoFundMe wrote.
"A fundraiser to pay lawyers, cover legal expenses or to help with ongoing living expenses for a person acquitted of those charges could remain active as long as we determine it is not in violation of any of our other terms and, for example, the purpose is clearly stated and the correct beneficiary is added to the fundraiser," according to the statement.
Since Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges against him on Friday, GoFundMe will allow any future fundraisers started to raise money for his legal fees.
The teen had been charged with fatally shooting two men and injuring a third during civil unrest following the August 2020 police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He testified at the trial that he fired in self-defense.