In the now-deleted GoFundMe page, the reality TV star's cousin tries to raise $2.5 million to help her and her family cover her legal fees as she's currently facing fraud charge.
- Jun 3, 2021
AceShowbiz - Jen Shah apparently failed to gain public's sympathy amid her current legal issue. A GoFundMe page, which was set up on behalf of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star, has been removed following backlash.
On the now-delete page, Jen's cousin Danny Filipe pleaded with "10,000 caring souls to donate $2.5 million" to help cover the reality TV star's legal fees. Insinuating that his cousin is innocent, he wrote, "Each year in the United States, more than 10,000 people are falsely accused and wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit."
"Simply because you are charged with a crime, does NOT mean you are automatically guilty," he noted. "On April 2nd, Jen proclaimed her innocence by entering a plea of 'not guilty,' and hired an experienced team of New York lawyers that have begun aggressively defending her and fighting the government’s case."
"Jen is facing decades incarcerated in prison separated from her family if she's [unable] to mount a competent and well thought out the defense," Danny went on claiming. "In seven weeks, Jen and her family have spent over $138,000 in legal fees and costs. My family is asking for your help for Jen and the Shah family."
In an interview with The Sun, Danny went on defending his cousin, "It's what we do as a family, stick together. Her plea was not guilty. She is innocent. Enough said."
However, the GoFundMe page prompted complaints from other users of the site, which has since removed it. In a statement announcing the decision, GoFundMe said that "the fundraiser violates our Terms of Service. The fundraiser has been removed from the platform." Under Section A of the site's Prohibited Conduct terms, subsection 9 prohibits donations used "for the legal defense of alleged crimes associated with … financial crimes or crimes of deception."
Before it was taken down, the page raised just $225 of its $2.5 million goal.
Jen was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 30. She and her assistant Stuart Smith, who faces the same charges, are accused of running a massive telemarketing scheme which has victimized 10 or more persons over the age of 55 in six states, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. She was released on the same day after posting a $1 million bond.
