SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Backlash after sister of Charleston accused seeks donations for wedding

An online campaign by Dylann Roof's sister asking for donations to cover the cost of postponing her wedding has backfired.

Screenshot of the campaign on Go Fund Me
"The Charleston Massacre took place and our lives were changed forever." Source: (GoFundMe)

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: SBS


Skip to article content

Amber Roof and her fiancé were set to marry on June 21, four days after her brother gunned down nine people at a church in Charleston, South Carolina.

"The Charleston Massacre took place and our lives were forever changed," Roof wrote on the GoFundMe page set up this week. "The media abused our privacy and published all of our wedding information and destroyed our dream day. Destroying the first day of Michael and my life together."

Mr Roof was hoping to raise around $6,500 (5000 USD) to cover "lost wedding costs, to pay bills, and to send us on our dream honeymoon." She also pledged to donate 10 per cent of the proceeds to Emanuel AME church - the scene of her brother's crime.

"We would like the chance to start our lives on a positive note," Roof wrote on her page. "Therefore, we have decided to start a Go Fund Me account. We know money cannot replace the wedding we lost and our perfect day, however it will help us to create new memories and a new start with our new family."

However, she removed the campaign after it sparked backlash.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

As of midday Thursday, the "Fresh Start For Michael and Amber" campaign had raised around $2000 (1,600 USD), and provoked mixed responses.

"I can't imagine what you are going through. I too have a selfish brother that has ruined a few of my special days. A situation like this could have easily been me since my brother has threatened to kill my father on several occasions. Prayers for you and your husband. I hope you can overcome the actions of your brother and know they don't reflect on you," wrote Megan P, along with a $10 donation.

"THE NERVE OF YOU!!!" read another comment. "If its just about getting married then go to the court house. But how dare u set up a gofundme under these circumstances."

GoFundMe Media cofirmed Amber Roof would still have access to all the funds raised.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world