A fundraiser supporting a woman who directed an anti-Muslim tirade in Texas has collected more than $80,000. In the video, she tells Muslims to leave the state, calling the U.S. a Christian country. The video and subsequent fundraiser have spurred divided reactions online.

Significance of the Incident

This situation touches on the intense debate over immigration in the U.S., which remains a critical issue for many Americans. Recent polls show this debate continues to hold a central place in national discussions.

Details to Know

Though the fundraiser and viral posts identify the woman, Newsweek has not confirmed her identity, opting to keep her name private. The GiveSendGo fundraising page mentions she has been doxxed, lost her job, and been ‘canceled.’ These claims are yet to be verified by Newsweek.

According to the page, the woman gained attention after confronting two females in an H-E-B store in Conroe, Texas. The fundraiser notes she faces lost income, threats, and damage to her holistic practice. By Monday morning, donations had surpassed $84,000, approaching a $100,000 target.

Fundraiser Background

Initiated by Tom Hennessey, the fundraiser has been promoted by an account with over 93,000 X followers. The account has either made or reshared controversial racial comments.

Florida filmmaker Michael McWhorter—known on social media as TizzyEnt—claims to have identified the woman via her jewelry seen in the video. McWhorter alleges she works as a massage therapist in Conroe, but Newsweek found her purported LinkedIn profile inaccessible.

Employment Termination Details

Mentioning the incident, Massage Forest in Conroe stated it ended employment with a worker, without naming anyone. Efforts by Newsweek to get clarification from the business via Instagram went unanswered.

“Unfortunately the incident involving this employee was not the first but it was the 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,” the company declared. “There will be no satisfy 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 business has received mixed reviews—some critical of the firing, others supportive. A similar business name clarified they had no involvement in the incident, highlighting their commitment to inclusivity and opposition to discrimination.

Trends in American Views on Immigration

Shifts in public opinion are evident as 46% of Americans now say immigration benefits the U.S., compared to 31% a year ago. Despite stricter immigration policies, resistance grows, with half of Americans considering current enforcement excessively harsh. However, division persists as about 25% believe immigration negatively impacts the nation.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: John Fitzpatrick and Gray R. Thomas