Activists rage at Anti-Defamation League for removing Libs of TikTok from its Glossary of Extremism

Anti-LGBTQ+ extremist Chaya Raichik – who runs the social media account “Libs of TikTok” – has been sparring with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) over the organization’s decision to include her in its Glossary of Extremism.

After Raichik made a stink about being labeled an extremist, threatening legal action if she wasn’t removed from the list, the Jewish anti-hate organization angered progressives by caving to her demands.

Related:

Elon Musk brutally mocked for saying “cis” is a “heterosexual slur”

“The word ‘musk’ is a slur for ugly white men. shame on anyone who uses it.”

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I’m calling on the @ADL to immediately remove my name from their “Glossary of Extremism.” Not only have they defamed me, they also lumped me in with terrorist organizations like Hamas. They have until Oct 31st to remove this defamatory entry before I’m forced to… pic.twitter.com/lJTsmgO454

— Chaya Raichik (@ChayaRaichik10) October 24, 2023

Stay connected to your community

Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter.

Daily

Weekly

Good News

BREAKING: The ADL finally caved after immense pressure and threats of legal action and REMOVED my name from their Glossary of Extremism! pic.twitter.com/6qCioQTsNp

— Chaya Raichik (@ChayaRaichik10) October 28, 2023

Just goes to show that the ADL knows I’m not a violent extremist. The decision to put me on their “Glossary of Extremism” was all political theater.

They’re a propaganda tool of the radical Left and they went too far with this. https://t.co/hmCwqs2Nrk

— Chaya Raichik (@ChayaRaichik10) October 29, 2023

“The @ADL are a bunch of f**king cowards caving to this terrorist,” wrote trans activist Alejandra Caraballo. “They just set an example that any extremist can just publicly threaten them and they’ll cave like cowards. It will completely undermine the credibility and legitimacy of their work on tracking and documenting extremism.”

The @ADL are a bunch of fucking cowards caving to this terrorist. pic.twitter.com/KJhqsyA5J6

— Alejandra Caraballo (@Esqueer_) October 29, 2023

Another popular account called the ADL’s decision “absolutely cowardly,” adding “Chaya and her lawyer publicly threatened to sue me in a similar manner. Haven’t heard anything about it in over a year. She has literally never taken anything to trial because her lawyer isn’t as braindead as her.”

Absolutely cowardly behavior from the ADL. Chaya and her lawyer publicly threatened to sue me in a similar manner. Haven’t heard anything about it in over a year.

She has literally never taken anything to trial because her lawyer isn’t as braindead as her. pic.twitter.com/ZCHMJVCskT

— Right Wing Cope (@RightWingCope) October 29, 2023

Another account called the ADL’s decision “absolute chikensh*t behavior.”

Man, this is absolute chickenshit behavior, @ADL pic.twitter.com/Oumohpm1hb

— Eyes on the Right (@EyesOnTheRight) October 28, 2023

The ADL has since spoken to The Advocate to confirm that Raichik has been temporarily removed while they “continue to review the matter.” The spokesperson also emphasized that the organization “maintain[s] any potential litigation is meritless.”

The publication also gained access to a letter to Raichik from ADL chief legal officer Steven Sheinberg. Sheinberg stated that “as a preliminary matter, we disagree with your assertions that ADL has done anything defamatory or otherwise harmful to you. Our reporting and opinions are constitutionally protected, reflect your status as a public figure, and are accurate.”

“At the same time, we are not immune to criticism of our work, and take such feedback into consideration,” the ADL continued. “Indeed, the Glossary of Extremism is an evolving resource and one we are presently reviewing in terms of brand, substance, and function including examining the mechanics of how materials are recommended to users. As a result, we will temporarily remove Libs of TikTok from the Glossary.”

“This is not an endorsement of your body of writing and other material reflective of your odious views about, and harmful impact to, the LGBTQ+ community remain on the ADL website.”

While Raichik is no longer in the glossary of extremism, another resource on ADL’s site still describes Libs of TikTok as an anti-LGBTQ+ extremist account.

Raichik’s campaign of stochastic terrorism against LGBTQ+-affirming institutions has led to bombing and death threats at schools and children’s hospitals across the country. She has claimed that she is merely sharing information and can’t control how people respond. However, her account has echoed right-wing claims of LGBTQ+ people and allies “indoctrinating,” ”grooming,” and “sexualizing” kids — rhetoric that leads to violence against queer people and their allies.