A fundraiser for a woman who told Muslims to leave Texas has raised more than $80,000.
“You’re really not welcome in this state or this country,” the woman in question said in the video. “You’re not welcome here, this is not a Muslim country, this is a Christian country, and you need to leave,” the woman added.
She continued: “You need to go back to your Islamic country where you came from.”
The video and subsequent fundraiser drew a divided response online.
Why It Matters
The incident and the public reaction that followed tap directly into the ongoing debate over immigration in the United States—a debate that polling has shown remains a significant concern for many Americans and continues to occupy a central place in the national consciousness.
What To Know
The fundraiser and several viral social media posts identify the woman by name. Newsweek has not independently verified her identity and is not naming her at this time. The GiveSendGo page says the woman has been doxxed—meaning her private or identifying information has been revealed online—, fired from her job and “canceled,” claims Newsweek has not independently verified.
The page said that the practitioner went viral for “confronting” two females in an H-E-B store in Conroe, Texas, on Saturday.
H-E-B grocery storefront and parking lot in Houston, Texas, on July 30, 2023.
“She’s now dealing with lost income, threats, and the mob coming for her holistic practice,” it added. As of Monday morning, the fundraiser has raised over $84,000 of a $100,000 goal.
What We Know About the Fundraiser
The page said the fundraiser was started by Tom Hennessey. An account with over 93,000 followers on X bearing that name has posted updates on the fundraiser’s progress. The account has made or reshared multiple racially charged posts.
In a video uploaded to the social media platform X on Sunday, Florida-based filmmaker Michael McWhorter, known for his viral sleuthing videos, said he had identified the woman, in part by comparing the jewelry she wore in the video with a photo of her he had previously received.
McWhorter, known as TizzyEnt on the platform, said she was a massage therapist at a practice in Conroe, citing a LinkedIn page that was inaccessible when Newsweek attempted to view it on Monday morning.
Was She Fired?
Massage Forest, a massage service in Conroe, said in a social media statement over the weekend that it had parted ways with an employee, though it did not specify the employee’s name. Newsweek reached out to the business for clarification via Instagram.
“Unfortunately the incident involving this employee was not the first but it was final one. We respect everyone’s right to their opinion but when their actions have a negative impact on our business we must address this,” said the statement from the business, which has received a slew of negative reviews seemingly referencing the viral incident.
“There will be no satisfy [sic] all sides in this instance but given the history involved we stand by our decision to part ways with our former employee and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
The flood of recent reviews included some criticizing the business for letting its employee go, while others were supportive of its decision.
A therapist who runs a business with a similar name to that identified in social media posts was forced to issue a statement addressing “confusion” and clarifying that they had no affiliation with the woman in the video.
“As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for all individuals. My practice welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds. Respect, dignity, compassion, and cultural humility are foundational values that guide both my personal and professional work,” it read.
“The views and behaviors attributed to this individual do not reflect my values, ethics, or the mission of my practice. I unequivocally oppose racism, discrimination, and hatred in all forms,” it added.
Americans Are Rapidly Changing Their Views on Immigration
A major shift is underway
Strict policies face growing pushback
Half of Americans say current immigration enforcement is too harsh.
But the country is still divided
About a quarter say immigration makes the U.S. worse off, showing opinions remain split.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: John Fitzpatrick and Gray R. Thomas
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