Prominent controversies:

The Tawana Brawley case (1987): Sharpton acted as an adviser to Tawana Brawley, a Black teenager who claimed she was abducted and raped by a group of white men, including a prosecutor. A grand jury later concluded that Brawley’s story was a hoax. For his role in the affair, Sharpton was found guilty of defamation in 1998 and ordered to pay $65,000 to the prosecutor he had accused. He maintains he believed Brawley and has refused to apologize.

  • 1991 Crown Heights riots: Following the accidental death of a 7-year-old Black child, Sharpton was accused of inciting racial unrest and anti-Semitic sentiment. He led marches where some protesters chanted “Kill the Jews!”. He later made anti-Semitic remarks during a rally, and critics point to his actions as having fueled the tensions that led to the death of a Jewish rabbinical scholar.
  • Financial misconduct allegations:
    • In 1990, Sharpton was acquitted of charges that he stole $250,000 from the National Youth Movement, a charity he founded.
    • In 1993, he pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to file a tax return for 1986.
    • His 2004 presidential campaign was investigated by the Federal Election Commission for improper fundraising. The FEC ultimately fined his campaign and required the return of federal matching funds.
    • He has also been scrutinized for his personal finances and how he funds his lifestyle, prompting critics to label him a “shakedown artist”.
  • Working as an FBI informant: In 2014, reports surfaced that Sharpton had been a confidential FBI informant in the 1980s, working on organized crime investigations. Sharpton has confirmed that he cooperated with the FBI, claiming he did so after receiving death threats from figures in the music industry. 

Critics and supporters

  • Critics view these past incidents as proof that Sharpton uses racial grievances for personal gain, calling him a “huckster” or “race-baiter”. Prominent critics, such as former President Donald Trump, have explicitly labeled him a “con man”. Some point to his longevity and ability to remain relevant despite these scandals as evidence of a pattern of leveraging controversy for personal and political advancement.
  • Supporters and allies emphasize his long career advocating for civil rights. They argue that he has been a consistent voice for racial justice and has successfully brought national attention to cases of police brutality and systemic inequality. They often dismiss the controversies as politically motivated attacks and argue that Sharpton remains a key figure in the movement. His continued involvement in major civil rights cases, such as the murder of George Floyd, and his prominent platform on MSNBC are cited as evidence of his ongoing influence.