Actress Melissa McCarthy took to Instagram last night to issue an apology for an accidental donation to Exodus Cry, a group that ostensibly opposes human trafficking but conceals a harsh anti-LGBTQ agenda beneath its mission statement.
The donation came as part of “20 Days of Kindness,” a charity initiative promoting McCarthy’s forthcoming film Superintelligence. McCarthy partnered with HBO Max to launch the drive, with the streaming service donating $20,000 every day for 20 days to worthy non-profit organizations in hopes of encouraging fans to do the same. One of those donations went to Exodus Cry, founded by filmmaker Benjamin Nolot. Nolot has a long history of opposing contraceptive rights for women, criminalizing pornography and attacking the LGBTQ community. Nolot has decried marriage equality in his tweets, and referred to homosexuality as “an unspeakable offense to God.”
After an internet outcry over the donation to Exodus Cry, McCarthy went into damage control mode. In her emotional statement, a poised McCarthy apologized for making the donation, and commended the voices that alerted her and HBO Max to the history of Exodus Cry. She also confirmed that the donation had been rescinded.
Related: Yep, that was definitely Melissa McCarthy in Spicey drag weaving through Midtown on a podium
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
“It has come to our attention that our 20 Days of Kindness, which is something–a kindness up that we started to kind of shine a light on 20 great charities — had one in there that, there’s no other way to say it, we blew it,” McCarthy admitted. “We made a mistake and we backed a charity that, upon proper vetting, stands for everything that we do not. So I want to thank everyone, on social media who said, ‘What are you doing? Are you sure you want to back this?’ Because the answer was no we do not.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHg6G7ugYi-/
“We have pulled it. We are so incredibly grateful for you ringing the bell and helping us be better,” she added. “We’re sorry for our mistake. Oh boy, are we sorry for it, can’t believe that we missed it. And that’s it. And I just want to say that I hope it doesn’t ding the other charities because they’re really doing some amazing things, and 20 Days of Kindness Is really meant to shine the light on all of those wonderful charities. So, let the kindness continue… and thank you. Thanks for the help, we really needed it.”
Don't forget to share:
WashDrySpin
I believe her
Cam
Either it was a mistake, or some homophobic employee got them on the list of charities and is probably in trouble now.
jayceecook
I believe that it was an honest mistake on all parts. I’m glad they got their money back and hopefully it will go to a much more worthy cause.
That said, here’s a tip for ANYBODY thinking of donating to a charity or organization with the word “Exodus” in their name. It almost always is affiliated or founded in conservative religious nonsense. Usually deeply homophobic.
Harley
Not to mention the fact that Exodus is the pro-slavery chapter in the Bible.
Cam
How unusual. Somebody admitted they made a mistake and corrected it.
Can she run a seminar for Republicans in the White House?
Max
if only they’d be eager to learn from her. that’s unfortunately not their priority, among other things.
cuteguy
If only we had a president that admitted his mistakes the way she did. Oh wait, come Jan 20, we won’t have that m0ron in office anymore. Next up is to get rid of Moscow Mitch and closeted Lindsay Graham
My2CentsWorth
It is possible that Trump and goons have no intention of leaving office. I just heard that the secretary of state made a comment a few days ago about the 2nd Trump administration. Also, as we know, they are carrying on in a business as usual fashion. Working on the next budget, making new appointments and etc..
Lets hope that the world will not be cursed with Trump after 1/20.
MHaumesser
Nothing but mad respect for Melissa and how she handled this situation! More people need to learn it’s okay to make a mistake as long as you own it and make a sincere apology!
jkb
The good news is this org has been put on blast for being awful and they’re not getting that $20k
MISTERJETT
honest mistake. all is well, Melissa!!! much luv.
Jake123
It was a mistake, no harm done!! Let’s all move on ?
Kangol2
I believe her too. She’s a huge fave as an actress and comedian too.
dhm23455
The Kindness of Strangers ………
jaimedance3
Sorry, in this day and age where everything can be fact checked that you don’t look up a charity that your going to donate to to see where they stand on the LGBT community is just #STUPID and laziness!
Openminded
I, for one, applaud their handling of this situation. It appears this 20 days of donating was to non-profits in general, not just those positive to the LGBT community. To deeply vet 20 non-profits to make sure they don’t offend any and all groups would be tough. I only wish our government could work this well. 1. Listen to the people when they cry “foul”, 2. Quickly investigate the people’s claim. 3. When you realize the people have a legitimate complaint, issue a sincere apology without a bunch of b.s. excuses and correct the mistake. The fact that she thanks those who pointed out the issue is just icing on the cake. You need to take the time to deeply investigate some non profits, especially religious ones. It can be disturbing what gets funded by their board of directors with money collected from quite differently representations of what they stand for. Some medical non profits can be equally deceiving.
Annaronimo
Human beings make mistakes. When it was brought to their attention, they did the right thing. We could all stand to be a little kinder to each other instead of vilifying people for being human.
Yeah, they should have done more research. But these things are often done by low level assistants or interns. When it was brought to light they fixed it and apologised. Demonising people who have done the right thing when the mistake comes to light is counterproductive.
ScottOnEarth
It was very obviously a mistake. Melissa has always been about kindness and equality and her apology/explanation is 1000% sincere.
jackscott
Glad she posted the video. However, a big group like HBO & all involved should do a better job when looking to give that kind of $! Hopefully, they will also donate to some LGBT organizations!
Milton
In this day and age with so many groups out there with their hands out and a significant number barely legitimate…. do your research before you hand over the $$$ you moron.
heyace37
She was also VERY smart not to mention the name of the anti-charity in the apology video. Deny them any additional name recognition, at least from her mouth.
This apology is a textbook example of how to apologize correctly.
drewsifer_h
Mistakes happen. I fully believe her. Particularly because the apology was barely about her. People often try to just prove how much of an ally they are. She was just admitting an honest mistake, taking ownership and correcting it.
Terrycloth
Love her talent admire her honesty.
I really do believe she is one of the real handful of celebs who are genuinely real..Go Melissa !!