Nationwide — The Proud Boys, a far-right group led by Enrique Tarrio, has misplaced its proper to its trademark after a decide in Washington, D.C. dominated in favor of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church. This resolution follows the group’s 2020 assault on the church, the place they vandalized the church’s Black Lives Matter signal by tearing it down and stomping on it.
The ruling enforces a $2.8 million default judgment in opposition to the Proud Boys, requiring them to compensate the church for damages. Consequently, the Proud Boys can not use or promote merchandise with their trademark with out the church’s approval. Any cash earned from using the identify will go to the church to assist cowl the damages.
Rev. William H. Lamar IV, the church’s chief, mentioned they’re dedicated to holding the Proud Boys accountable. He instructed CNN, “The Church has an extended historical past of standing up for justice and in opposition to all types of hate. We’re decided to carry the Proud Boys accountable and we are going to proceed this struggle.”
In response, Tarrio criticized the ruling, calling for an audit of the church and claiming its non-profit standing needs to be revoked. In his assertion posted on X, he mentioned, “This church has engaged in a marketing campaign of harassment and falsehoods, evidenced by their each filed movement.”
Nonetheless, a separate decide in 2023 had beforehand described the Proud Boys’ actions in 2020 as “extremely orchestrated” and “hateful and overtly racist.”
Tarrio, who was serving a 22-year jail sentence for his involvement within the January 6 Capitol assault, was lately pardoned by President Trump as a part of a broader clemency decision.
This authorized ruling delivers a major authorized and monetary setback for the Proud Boys, stripping them of their identify and directing earnings from its use to the church they as soon as focused.
