As fans mourn the untimely passing of R&B singer-songwriter Angie Stone, a crowdfunding platform just shut down a phony fundraiser set up in her name. According to TMZ, GoFundMe pulled the plug on a fundraiser claiming to support Stoneβs legacy. The campaign, which didnβt offer details about how the money would be used, raised over $12,000 before it was discovered.
The company confirmed to TMZ that all donations have been refunded and the organizer, listed as βLenda Peers,β has been banned from setting up future campaigns on the site.
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βGoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and takes swift action against those who seek to take advantage of the generosity of our community,β a spokesperson said. βWhile cases of misuse are rare, donors and beneficiaries are fully protected by GoFundMeβs Giving Guarantee. We are continuing to closely monitor the platform for any fundraisers related to the passing of Angie Stone and will remove those found to be in violation of our Terms of Service.β
Angie Stone, a Grammy-nominated singer, was killed in a March 1 car crash while traveling from Alabama to Atlanta, according to the Associated Press. Stoneβs manager confirmed that just before 4:30 am the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van she was traveling in flipped over and was hit by a truck. The 63-year-old, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was the only fatality in the crash.
Stoneβs family announced her passing on Instagram and honored the singer-songwriter known for chart-topping R&B hits like βNo More Rainβ and βWish I Didnβt Miss You.β
βAngie was an example for black women and girls everywhere,β her family wrote in an Instagram post to fans. β[She] believed in giving back to her fans in the community with her foundation βAngel Stripes, the Angie Stone foundation.β
TMZ reported that Stoneβs family is planning a public memorial in Atlanta to celebrate her life. The date and location have yet to be confirmed.
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