Hannah Giles on Monday announced that she is stepping down from her role as CEO of the controversial right-wing group Project Veritas, “effective immediately,” citing “strong evidence of past illegality and past financial improprieties.”
“Once such evidence was discovered,” Giles wrote. “I brought the information to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.”
Giles took over in June, following the removal of Forbes Hall of Shamer James O’Keefe. In her six months as CEO, Giles oversaw mass layoffs that reportedly stripped down the group to just 11 employees on payroll, including Giles. In September, Mediaite reported that the group had suspended its operations indefinitely amid financial troubles. Shortly before, the outlet also reported that Giles said in an internal meeting that the once well-funded organization was now bankrupt.
“It’s devastating,” Giles said, according to an audio file that Mediaite obtained. “I’ve got to get back into the bank accounts to see what’s real and what’s not real because I have been getting presented with things that were not making sense and then when I’m presented with okay there’s only a thousand dollars left in the 501(c) (3) and I thought we had until October. We did a half-a-million-dollar transfer and that was this period. But, like, we’re bankrupt.”
Project Veritas was founded by O’Keefe in 2010 and it became known for propagating conspiracy theories and selectively editing hidden camera videos to discredit progressive groups and mainstream media outlets.
O’Keefe was forced out in February following complaints from staffers and board members about his leadership style and misuse of donor funds on splurges. A lawsuit filed against him by the organization alleged that he used company funds for personal expenses including opulent hotel rooms and private car services, first-class flights in cases where the flight was not covered by the company’s policy for approving first-class flights and paying more than $10,000 for a helicopter ride from New York to Maine.
In August, it was reported that O’Keefe was under investigation by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. The evidence Giles said was turned over to authorities is likely related to this investigation.
As of this writing, Project Veritas, or what’s left of it, has yet to comment on the matter.
Information for this story was found via CNN, The Independent, Mediaite, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
