*A fake fundraiser claiming to honor Angie Stone’s legacy was shut down by GoFundMe after raising over $12,000 just days after her passing.
The platform confirmed that all donations were refunded, and the organizer, who went by the name “Lenda Peers,” has been permanently banned, TMZ reports.
The fundraiser raised suspicions as it failed to specify how the money would support Stone’s family or be used. Instead, it simply referenced her career and recent death. Despite setting a $25,000 goal, the campaign was stopped before reaching its target.
A GoFundMe spokesperson told TMZ, “At no point did the organizer have access to any of the donations. GoFundMe 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.
“While cases of misuse are rare, donors and beneficiaries are fully protected by GoFundMe’s 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.”
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Meanwhile, Stone’s real family is planning a public memorial in Atlanta and a private funeral in Columbia, South Carolina. The R&B legend tragically lost her life in a car accident last Saturday.
On Monday (March 4), Stone’s management posted an official statement on her Instagram page, which was soundtracked by her 2001 song “Brotha.”
“It is with heavy hearts that the children of the R&B singer Angie Stone along with her extended family want to thank you all for your love and well wishes during what is an extremely difficult time,” the caption began.
“It is with heavy hearts that the children of the R&B singer Angie Stone along with her extended family want to thank you all for your love and well wishes during what is an extremely difficult time,” the caption began.
Stone, whose real name was Angela Laverne Brown, had just finished a show in Montgomery, Alabama, before the tragic accident occurred.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: In Her Own Words: Angie Stone Reveals Financial Struggles Before Her Untimely Death on Saturday | WATCH
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