Black Lives Matter Grassroots (BLMGR) is publicly reaffirming that it is not affiliated with the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (GNF), which is reportedly under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.

In a statement released Wednesday, BLM Grassroots said it has “no connection whatsoever” to the embattled foundation, which has faced years of scrutiny over financial transparency and governance. The organization emphasized that the current federal probe appears to validate long-standing concerns raised by grassroots chapters.

“Black Lives Matter Grassroots filed a lawsuit against the BLM Global Network Foundation in 2022,” the group said. “Our claim, then and now, is that the resources, platforms, and ‘Black Lives Matter’ name were built by and intended for the work of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, our chapters, and frontline organizers—not the consultants who control the BLM Global Network Foundation.”

That lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, with the court ordering BLM Grassroots to pay GNF’s legal fees. Lacking resources for an appeal, the organization redirected its focus to community organizing and advocacy.

While the group expressed that the ongoing investigation “might appear to be further validation of our claims,” BLM Grassroots said it takes “no delight in possible criminal repercussions, even for those that we deem to be frauds and thieves.” The organization maintains that any resources under GNF’s control “should be immediately provided to Black Lives Matter Grassroots.”

At the same time, BLM Grassroots voiced concern that the federal probe could be used to justify broader repression of Black-led organizations. The statement cites the Trump administration’s history of targeting social justice groups, referencing the recent Presidential Memorandum NSPM-7 as part of a “witchhunt” against Black activists.

“Black Lives Matter Grassroots has not been directly named in the criminal investigation or recent Presidential Memorandum,” the group wrote, “but that does not mean we are safe.”

Founded as a decentralized network of local chapters, BLM Grassroots continues to center families impacted by police violence, whom it calls “Justice Families,” and remains committed to abolitionist principles and community-led organizing.

“We have done all that we can to operate with integrity and move righteous work that is so urgently needed,” the statement concludes. “We will continue to fight for the liberation of our people and for justice in the world—especially in these perilous times.”