The ADL Removes Founder of Libs of TikTok from “Glossary of Extremism and Hate”
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has removed Chaya Raichik, the founder of the social media account Libs of TikTok, from its “Glossary of Extremism and Hate” after she threatened to file a lawsuit against the organization.
Ms. Raichik, an Orthodox Jew, announced her quiet removal from the Jewish international NGO’s list in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The ADL finally caved after immense pressure and threats of legal action and REMOVED my name from their Glossary of Extremism!” Ms. Raichik wrote on Monday.
“Just goes to show that the ADL knows I’m not a violent extremist. The decision to put me on their ‘Glossary of Extremism’ was all political theater. They’re a propaganda tool of the radical Left and they went too far with this,” she added.
The ADL’s “Glossary of Extremism and Hate” provides an overview of “many of the terms and individuals used by or associated with movements and groups that subscribe to and/or promote extremist or hateful ideologies,” according to its website.
Ms. Raichik was previously placed on the list alongside the terrorist organization Hamas, the Jihadist militant terrorist group ISIS, and terms including “Neo Nazi.”
As of Oct. 31, a search for Ms. Raichik renders no results via the list on the group’s website.
The ADL confirmed in a statement to The Advocate that it had “temporarily” removed Ms. Raichik from the glossary after she threatened the organization with legal action if it did not do so by Oct. 31.
“While we maintain any potential litigation is meritless, we have temporarily removed the entry from our Glossary of Extremism while we continue to review the matter,” a spokesperson for the organization said. “Other material reflective of Libs of TikTok’s odious views about, and harmful impact to, the LGBTQ+ community remain on the ADL website.”
Fighters from the Hamas terrorist group use paragliders to train for landing in Israel in video footage released on Oct. 9, 2023. (Reuters/Screenshot via NTD)
‘Enough Is Enough’
Ms. Raichik had last week threatened the organization with unspecified legal action if it didn’t remove her from the glossary before Tuesday.
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I’m calling on the @ADL to immediately remove my name from their ‘Glossary of Extremism.’ Not only have they defamed me, they also lumped me in with terrorist organizations like Hamas. They have until Oct 31st to remove this defamatory entry before I’m forced to take more action,” she wrote on X.
Prior to removing her from the glossary, ADL’s Chief Legal Officer Steven Sheinberg reportedly sent a letter to Ms. Raichik responding to her threat of legal action.
“As a preliminary matter, we disagree with your assertions that ADL has done anything defamatory or otherwise harmful to you. Our reporting and opinions are constitutionally protected, reflect your status as a public figure, and are accurate,” Mr. Sheinberg wrote in the letter, which was obtained by The Advocate.
“At the same time, we are not immune to criticism of our work and take such feedback into consideration. Indeed, the Glossary of Extremism is an evolving resource and one we are presently reviewing in terms of brand, substance, and function including examining the mechanics of how materials are recommended to users. As a result, we will temporarily remove Libs of TikTok from the Glossary,” ADL’s chief legal officer wrote.
The ADL had previously pressured X owner Elon Musk to ban the Libs of TikTok account, which has 2.6 million followers on X and regularly reposts various comments made by Democrats, according to the billionaire businessman.
In its “Glossary of Extremism and Hate,” the New York-based group had described Ms. Raichik’s account as ”a popular anti-LGBTQ+ Twitter account” that “attempts to generate outrage and stoke anti-LGBTQ+ hostility by reposting selected out-of-context social media content created by LGBTQ+ people and liberals.”
“The individuals, events, and organizations targeted by the account are frequent targets of harassment, threats, and violence,” the since-removed glossary entry stated.
How can organizations like the ADL ensure transparency and consistency in their categorization of individuals as extremists, and how might potential biases or conflicts of interest be addressed to maintain credibility and effectiveness in combating hate and extremism
Recently, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) made the decision to remove Chaya Raichik, the founder of the social media account Libs of TikTok, from its “Glossary of Extremism and Hate” following her threat to file a lawsuit against the organization. Ms. Raichik, an Orthodox Jew, shared the news in a statement posted on her Twitter account.
In her statement, Ms. Raichik expressed her satisfaction with the ADL’s decision to remove her name from their Glossary of Extremism. She claimed that the ADL had finally given in to the immense pressure and threats of legal action that she had put forth. This move marks a significant turning point for Ms. Raichik and her online presence.
The ADL’s decision to remove Ms. Raichik raises questions about the organization’s criteria for inclusion in their Glossary of Extremism and Hate. It is important to understand the context and background behind this decision in order to evaluate its implications.
The removal of Ms. Raichik’s name from the ADL’s Glossary of Extremism highlights the power dynamics at play in online activism and advocacy. It demonstrates that individuals who wield influence and visibility can exert pressure on organizations and potentially influence their decisions.
The role of social media in shaping public discourse and raising awareness about various issues is undeniable. Platforms like TikTok have become popular tools for individuals to share their perspectives, engage in political discussions, and challenge prevailing beliefs. However, the presence of hate speech and extremism on these platforms cannot be ignored.
The ADL, as a prominent organization dedicated to combating hate and extremism, plays a critical role in identifying and addressing these issues. Their Glossary of Extremism serves as a valuable resource for understanding and recognizing the various forms of hate and extremism that exist today. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of individuals and groups associated with such ideologies.
The decision to remove Ms. Raichik’s name from the Glossary raises questions about the objectivity and rigor of the ADL’s criteria for categorizing individuals as extremists. It is crucial for organizations like the ADL to maintain transparency and consistency in their actions in order to avoid any perceived biases or conflicts of interest.
In conclusion, the ADL’s removal of Chaya Raichik from their Glossary of Extremism and Hate following her threat of legal action raises important questions about the criteria and decision-making processes employed by the organization. It serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in addressing hate and extremism in the digital age, and highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and evaluation of these issues.
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