Controversy Archives

Latest in Controversy

Why Christopher Columbus Is So Offensive to Native Americans

Native American activists have long seen Columbus as a villain, an agent responsible for the invasion, conquest and subsequent occupation of the Americas.

The Lessons of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

More than 1,000 businesses and homes were burned to the ground, scores of black families were herded into cattle pens at the fairgrounds, and one of the largest and most prosperous black communities in the U.S. was turned to ashes.

What – or Who – is Antifa?

The movement called “antifa” gets its name from a short form of “anti-fascist,” which is about the only thing its members agree on.

Reflecting on the Case of Cyntoia Brown

Cyntoia Brown walked out of prison in August 2019 after serving 15 years of a life sentence for a murder she committed when she was 16.

Did TV Journalist Use a Racial Slur During Kobe Bryant Report?

Questions arose over whether it was intentional, a racial Freudian slip, or an innocent gaffe.

‘Literally IDK’: Facebook Ad Confuses Teen Vogue and Everyone Else

Both Facebook and Teen Vogue were criticized for news-like content that initially carried no advertising disclosure.

Shoppers Blast Online Vendor for Offensive Yarn Color Names

Seemingly insignificant naming choices can be highly controversial if an understanding of local linguistic norms is lacking.

White House Replies on Miller’s Leaked Emails Don’t Address Racist Content

A Southern Poverty Law Center report outlining Miller's apparent affinity for white nationalism prompted calls for the presidential adviser's resignation.

Identity of Transgender Child Exposed After Websites Publish Private Info

A court case surrounding a child's gender identity went viral, and some news outlets effectively doxxed the minor.

Police Reportedly Asked to Leave Arizona Starbucks Because Customer Felt Unsafe

"To be looked at as feeling unsafe when you have law enforcement around you is somewhat perplexing ..."

Was 85-Year-Old Widow Forced Out of Apartment for Religious Activities?

Diana Martin has filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

Did the Wall GoFundMe Founder Use the Money to Buy a Yacht?

In 2019, we found no evidence Brian Kolfage purchased a yacht — or any other personal items — with money raised for building a border wall. But in August 2020, organization leaders were indicted on fraud charges.