Project Veritas in Damage Control Mode After O’Keefe Ouster

James O’Keefe jumped or was he pushed out by Project Veritas? The gonzo journalism company he started in 2010, which he founded. O’Keefe’s supporters are clearly angry and the fight is evident. They attempted to make amends with their supporters and friends on Thursday.

The war between the two camps was bitter. Perhaps the most ugly battle between supporters and donors and the board might be the one that is fought.

February 20, we reported that the Project Veritas board removed O’Keefe from his CEO position and board seat. O’Keefe’s clip, in which he admitted that he had been pushed out, was included. He also stated that he had come to his office to retrieve his personal belongings.

The organization’s board responded by clarifying that They just suspended him temporarily A version of the events we also reported.

In the meantime, it appears that both sides called their attorneys again. O’Keefe clarified O’Keefe’s status via an Instagram post in which he stated that he didn’t resign.

Project Veritas now has another clarification. It basically says, We never threatened his job, so trust us!

The “Project Veritas Team” Send an email with the subject line “we hold everyone accountable, especially ourselves.” It is clearly distinct “the team” From the board and alluded the fact that O’Keefe supporters are lighting up the organization. Whatever the team may be, they hoped that “you might continue to give us a chance. We can’t stress how separate the board’s role is from daily operations here at PV. We are still grinding and pursuing stories of great public importance.”

“The Team” wrote:

James’ “removal” It was not a firing. He explicitly stated that he did NOT resign. The board did not fire him. He was placed on temporary suspension by the board until the audit was complete. He was requested by the board that he delegate staff management to department heads to allow him to concentrate his talent and efforts on journalism/stories and less time on personnel management.

[…] PV is home to 60+ dedicated people who continue to support James’ mission. It is what brought us all together. Although we cannot control the online narratives, and cannot individually defend ourselves in public, we can assure our clients that we will continue to fight corruption.

It also included a Video To show that Project Veritas reporters are not anonymous, we will display their faces and names in order to show that they do most of the heavy lifting. As if we didn’t know. James O’Keefe was a long-time undercover sting video maker. Mike Wallace is now recognizable.

The video was created to show that We are still in business! Please show your love for us

There has been much backlash online.

Yesterday:
Project Veritas = 1.4M
James O’Keefe = 1M

Today:
Project Veritas = 1.2M
James O’Keefe = 1.33M

More than 200,000 people have spoken.
We stand by @JamesOKeefeIII. pic.twitter.com/hVeag86CxY

— TexasLindsay™ (@TexasLindsay_) February 21, 2023

Donors quit the firm.

I am actively asking for all funds to be returned. @Project_Veritas – Execs of the Veritas coordinated a fund raising event with me & James O’Keefe on @TwitterSpacesJan 28th 2023. Knowing they were being ousted @JamesOKeefeIII

This was deceptive charity-campaign practices.

Project… https://t.co/POrDLkZCFL

— Grant Cardone (@GrantCardone) February 20, 2023

Candace Owens.

I’m a donor. I don’t care if James O’Keefe has black cars.

It’s all so absurd. #ProjectVeritas It is done. https://t.co/K7Eb1BxNGI

— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) February 21, 2023

Project Veritas donor Dianna Remmers said “her interactions with James were misrepresented” The board had also sent a letter.

A donor named in the list of allegations against @JamesOKeefeIII Project Veritas subsequently placed him on leave. Dianna Remmers posted a video on Instagram claiming that James’ interactions were misrepresented in the letter. pic.twitter.com/JRdMA6dEfd

— Andy Ngô 🏳️‍🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) February 11, 2023

According to the board, O’Keefe misappropriated company funds, some of which were for himself, and they wanted him to go until a resolution was reached. “two-dimensional” Audit was completed. That can be quite a deal for fiduciaries of 501c3 organisations.

O’Keefe was also criticised for his harsh treatment of employees.

A meme that is trending on social media asks a fascinating question. It looks something like the following. A room full of journalists using video to find bad guys didn’t see O’Keefe shaming employees. 

While we aren’t saying that it didn’t occur, it is fascinating.

O’Keefe’s — temporary? — ouster might end up being more interesting than some of the stories his organization exposed.