Antifa network disavows activist AntiFash Gordon amid abuse claims

Torch Antifa Network issued a statement on Friday distancing themselves from prominent Antifa activist Christian Exoo, of AntiFash Gordon on Twitter, after a small number of "anti fascist researchers" issued their own statement outlining claims of abuse.

Christian Exoo, who runs AntiFash Gordon, leads doxxing campaigns against others and had a lawsuit filed against him last year for using equipment from his job at St Lawrence University to dox an ex-New York Daily News employee by the name of Daniel D'Ambly.

In their statement, Torch Antifa Network (TAN) said that accounts from those individuals that came forth against Exoo show a pattern of emotional and physical abuse against past partners and housemates.

They claim, though, that Exoo's behaviors doesn't negate the accuracy of information posted on their account. "It’s important that antifascists are able to acknowledge when exploitative behavior and useful/advantageous skills coexist, without getting derailed by claims that any one individual is too “important to the movement” to be subject to public critique or censure," the statement reads.

TAN outlined in their statement the harmful and unethical organizing tactics that Exoo engaged in which reportedly mirrors his interpersonal abuse patterns.

They said that Exoo claimed to uphold antifascist principles, but behaves in a contradictory way to his claims. TAN notes that Exoo said "[s]ome cis white dude who creates this hero figure out of himself is exactly what we [presumably antifascists] don’t need” in the past, yet does not update the AntiFash Gordon account to reflect that the account is not a cis-white male, but a team of researchers.

TAN claims that Exoo uses his fame within Antifa circles and access to media figures to "manipulate and exploit other anti fascists."

"Antifascists have been figuring out ways to get what they need, support each other, and shut shit down since long before “Antifash Gordon” even existed. Communities do not need the help of a celebrity in order to advocate for and defend themselves. If anyone, even someone who presents themselves as an authority on antifascist work, tells you that organizing with “radicals” who treat you like an expendable employee is a necessary step in becoming “an activist,” they are lying," said the statement, in reference to Exoo's actions.

"Gordon has a pattern of using radical language and processes as tools to pressure less-prominent groups and individuals into doing what he wants rather than what they have decided on autonomously," the statement continues.

In response to claims against Exoo, TAN wrote that it will not knowingly collaborate with or promote the AntiFash Gordon account anymore.

The AntiFash Gordon account responded on Saturday saying that "The allegations posted about me are largely based on the accounts of two people. I'm open to criticism of my behavior, but I can't publicly respond without disclosing personal information about others involved. I'm not willing to do that, even to protect myself."

"I have no intention of ceasing to work on fighting fascism. I will continue to be open and willing to work with anyone who wants to fight that fight alongside me," it continues. "If we have worked together in the past, and you have any questions, please contact me privately."