A class action lawsuit filed on Nov. 25 against the American Red Cross, alleges that the organization misused more than $500 million raised for Haiti earthquake relief between 2010 and 2024.
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Florida, accuses the Red Cross of exploiting the catastrophic 2010 earthquake in Haiti, as well as subsequent disasters in 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2023, to raise funds under false pretenses.
The plaintiffs claim significant portions of the funds were used for personal gain, administrative overhead, expatriate salaries, and projects unrelated to Haiti, leaving the intended beneficiaries without the promised assistance. They allege that while the organization raised substantial donations by showcasing images of suffering Haitians, it failed to deliver on promises to rebuild homes, schools, and hospitals, and to provide essential services such as clean water and medical care….