Patrice Cullors, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter (BLM), along with her spouse, has reportedly sold their consulting business and an apartment complex in Los Angeles. Interestingly, she’s chosen not to disclose her partner’s name.
These developments come amid investigations by the Justice Department concerning potential fraud involving millions of dollars in donations to BLM during the 2020 protests for racial justice. There are subpoenas and at least one search warrant related to the case, though it remains unclear who the focus is on.
Cullors had stepped down from her position with BLM in 2021 following scrutiny surrounding her high-end lifestyle and extensive property purchases, including a notable mansion in Toronto bought by a nonprofit linked to her spouse and activists from Canada. Records indicate that BLM allocated large sums to Canadian charities to facilitate that purchase.
While neglecting to comment on the current status of her marriage, Cullors, an accomplished artist, seems to be refocusing on her work. She showcased her debut solo exhibition in Los Angeles last year, exploring themes of trauma and resilience tied to the Black experience in America.
Cullors has made significant investments in real estate over recent years. She started with a modest home in Inglewood then expanded into more lavish properties, culminating in a mansion in Topanga Canyon purchased in early 2021. Despite the luxurious acquisitions, she faced backlash for a $6 million property bought by BLM, which she claimed was meant as a conference venue, although she later acknowledged hosting private parties there.
After her resignation, she asserted that she had distanced herself from the controversies affecting BLM, claiming that right-wing criticism aimed to tarnish her character. She mentioned focusing on her upcoming book and television projects, although a recent multi-platform deal with Warner Bros. Television Group was quietly terminated, revealing no programming had materialized under it.
