Spencer Pratt’s Role in California Senate Race Controversy

Though Spencer Pratt didn’t make it through the Los Angeles mayoral primary, he’s back in the spotlight—this time as a controversial figure in a heated political race in California.

West Hollywood City Councilman John Erickson, a Democratic candidate for state Senate, faces allegations of creating a deceptive Instagram account. This account appeared to support his rival, Democratic Rep. Brian Goldsmith, while linking Goldsmith to Pratt and sharing incendiary posts about Israel, seemingly to stir up anti-Semitic sentiments.

These claims were made by Zenon Uryate Crow, a Gen Z Democrat who ranked last in the June primary but later backed Goldsmith.

Uryate Crow noticed a suspicious account named “Platt Voters 4 Goldsmith” that bombarded Goldsmith’s posts with provocative comments. He conducted a test through Instagram’s block feature to determine if it was tied to Erickson.

Instagram lets users block an account along with other accounts that the platform associates with that user. After blocking Erickson’s verified account, Crow saw that the “Platt Voters 4 Goldsmith” account was also blocked. When he unblocked Erickson, the problematic account reappeared. Despite the absence of screenshots, Crow captured his experience on Instagram, which gained 14,700 views.

Shortly after sharing that video, Uryate Crow reported that the account in question had been deleted.

The now-defunct “Platt Voters 4 Goldsmith” claimed to be a group of Pratt supporters advocating for Goldsmith. It featured American and Israeli flags and made posts that suggested anger towards those upset about Pratt’s loss in the mayoral race. One post stated, “Are you mad that Pratt ‘lost’? Help Goldsmith! He’s a changemaker like Pratt.”

However, some posts were even more inflammatory, with one claiming, “Everyone who opposes Goldsmith is an anti-Semite!” This statement appeared alongside a post about incidents involving Jewish-owned businesses in Toronto.

The account also contained a post insisting, “there will be no genocide in Gaza,” according to screenshots reviewed.

Uryate Crow expressed his disappointment, especially since he had endorsed Goldsmith for his moral character, only to see misinformation spread through a burner account supposedly supporting him. “In that moment, I felt like I was the adult in the room,” he said.

Erickson has denied any connection to the account and has repeatedly challenged Uryate Crow to provide evidence beyond Instagram’s block findings. He remarked, “It is irresponsible to make or report such claims without supporting them with evidence.”

Moreover, Erickson questioned Uryate Crow’s motives, noting that his support for Goldsmith emerged right after Uryate backed his opponent. “Do the math,” Erickson urged.

Uryate Crow believes the incendiary messages were aimed at inciting attacks against Goldsmith based on his Jewish identity. Goldsmith’s campaign condemned the anonymity of the accounts using his religion to sow division. “Anti-Semitism has no place in our community or in our politics,” they stated.

This situation has only heightened Uryate Crow’s concerns about Erickson’s political tactics.

Todd Hallman, a Public Safety Commissioner in West Hollywood, alleged that Erickson threatened his position during a political dispute, a claim Erickson has denied while maintaining that Hallman remains on the committee.

Erickson expressed frustration over the lack of evidence backing the accusations against him, labeling such behavior as a current political tactic. In a highly competitive race for the 24th Senate District, which aims to replace Democratic Sen. Ben Allen, both campaigns are ramping up.

Erickson’s campaign has garnered support from various prominent figures, while Goldsmith has built a coalition of high-profile endorsements, including Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton.

While Erickson claimed no supporters have reached out to express concern about the controversy, Pratt did not provide any comments regarding his involvement or the unfolding situation.

Erickson stated, “I’m busy running my campaign. Other candidates are not my priority.”