MSNBC host Rev. Al Sharpton recently faced scrutiny after it was revealed that Kamala Harris' presidential campaign donated $500,000 to Sharpton's National Action Network before he interviewed her in October 2020. While MSNBC claimed ignorance of this transaction, the incident has reignited discussion about Sharpton's long history of controversies.
Sharpton, a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party, has faced criticism from within MSNBC for this perceived conflict of interest. This latest incident adds to a string of controversies that have followed Sharpton throughout his career.
Financial and Legal Issues
Sharpton's financial dealings have frequently drawn attention. He has a history of tax problems, pleading guilty in 1993 for failing to file his 1986 tax return. In 2008, it came to light that he owed nearly $1.5 million in back taxes. The New York Times has documented further financial issues, including a 1990 acquittal on charges of stealing from a youth group and a 1993 guilty plea for not filing a state tax return. His for-profit business, Raw Talent, also faced scrutiny for unpaid taxes.
The Tawana Brawley Case
One of the most defining controversies of Sharpton's career is his involvement in the Tawana Brawley case. In 1987, Brawley, a teenager, claimed she was kidnapped and assaulted by a group of white men. Sharpton became a staunch advocate for Brawley, amplifying her accusations and fueling racial tensions. A grand jury later determined Brawley's claims were fabricated. Sharpton was sued for defamation and ordered to pay damages, which his supporters ultimately covered. Despite the outcome, Sharpton maintains he was not misled.
Accusations of Antisemitism
Sharpton has also faced accusations of antisemitism throughout his career. In 1991, he defended a professor who made antisemitic remarks, and he was involved in the Crown Heights riots in Brooklyn, which were marked by antisemitic violence. During the riots, Sharpton made remarks considered by many to be antisemitic, and he later traveled to Israel to confront the Jewish driver involved in the accident that sparked the unrest. In another incident in 1995, Sharpton referred to a Jewish store owner as a "White interloper," which led to protests and violence, including a fire that destroyed the store.
