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Michelea Ponce row: Who is Jeanie Beeman? GiveSendGo launched for Target worker who wore ‘Freedom’ t-shirt
A row broke out at a Target store when a TikToker berated an elderly employee for wearing a ‘Freedom’ tee-shirt, popularized by Charlie Kirk.
The elderly Target employee at the center of the row over wearing a ‘Freedom’ tee-shirt has been identified as Jeanie Beeman. A GiveSendGo was started in her name, amid a massive outpouring of support from conservative quarters.
This comes after a TikTok video had gone viral showing a woman berate an elderly Target staff member in California for wearing the tee that was popularized by Charlie Kirk. The Turning Point USA founder was wearing a white version of this tee on September 10, when he was fatally shot at Utah Valley University.
The clip showed Jeanie wearing a red version of the tee and stacking more such ‘Freedom’ tees on the shelves, from a cart for sale. While the elderly staffer seems to object to being filmed, the clip shows the TikToker go on to berate the person, calling them ‘stupid’ and ‘racist’. Internet sleuths sussed out that the person making the clip was one Michelea Ponce, and it further emerged that she was an employee of Enloe Health, a popular healthcare brand in the US. Later that day, Enloe released a statement that the Chico Police were investigating the matter.
Also Read | Michelea Ponce Target row: Employer Enloe Health provides key update after fight over ‘Freedom’ t-shirt goes viral
Now, the GiveSendGo launched for her has been widely shared among conservative circles, and has already raised $166,845 of its $200,000 aim.
What to know about GiveSendGo for Jeanie Beeman?
The GiveSendGo account claims that the money is to give the Target employee a vacation. “On Monday in Chico, California, an elderly Target employee found herself at the center of national attention after being filmed by someone we can only describe as unhinged,” it notes.
“Now, we are hoping to raise enough money so that she can afford a much-needed vacation. A time for her to relax, recharge and just forget about the ugliness,” it continues. The page adds that the goal was increased amid ‘overwhelming support’ and notes that maybe donors can help the woman get retirement, not just a vacation.
At the time of writing, the top donation is to the tune of $5000 from an anonymous person.
Information about Jeanie was also shared by journalist Cassandra MacDonald, who contacted the Target employee and her daughter. On X, MacDonald noted that Jeanie lost her husband to suicide, 12 years back, and is now a passionate worker who strives to raise awareness about suicide prevention options. The journalist also noted that the employee is not in trouble with Target, and her manager reportedly is standing by her. HT.com could not independently verify this information.
The GiveSendGo account link was shared widely on X, by known MAGA supporters like Benny Johnson.
TPUSA has also come out in support, with spokesperson Andrew Kolvet first writing “If anyone can DM a way to get in touch with this wonderful woman who was needlessly harassed for honoring Charlie, I would love to personally thank her and send her some gifts.” He also reposted the GiveSendGo profile.
Meanwhile, Tyler Bowyer has sought to put the woman on stage during AmFest.
