If a jury says you're not guilty, people can raise money for you, even if the facts don't match up.
That's the case as it relates to Kyle Rittenhouse. On Friday, the popular website posted a clarification of its policies, stating that Rittenhouse's legal fees, living expenses, and so on would be allowed going forward. In the summer of 2020, Rittenhouse was found not guilty of murdering two men during a protest against police brutality in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The Rittenhouse-focused campaigns were removed from the site after charges were leveled against him. The site's terms of service do not prohibit money going to Rittenhouse's campaign if the campaign is deemed legitimate by the legal system.
If someone is acquitted of those charges, a fundraiser for their legal defense would not violate this policy. If we determine that the purpose is clearly stated and the correct beneficiary is added, a person acquitted of those charges can continue to raise money.
It's an interesting dilemma for a private, for-profit enterprise. A court found that Rittenhouse acted in self-defense and that the fact that he killed two people is not disputed. Since tech companies aren't in the morals business, the site decided to take the law's side and allow it. The alternative could invite a combination of precedent-setting headaches and possible lawsuits.
There isn't much to learn here at the end of the day. Keep going if you're happy with the decision. It's not the only way to send money online if you're not.
