CNN and Cori Bush promote fundraiser for fake ‘single mom of three facing homelessness over eviction moratorium’

CNN’s Nick Watt interviewed Dasha Kelly last week to discuss the recent lapse in the eviction moratorium. CNN’s chyron proclaimed, "Mom braces for eviction" as Watt said that Kelly and three children he referred to as "her little girls" could all end up homeless following Kelly losing her job because she can no longer afford childcare due to the coronavirus pandemic. Watt told his viewers that, "Dasha Kelly has started a GoFundMe page to try and cover that rent, $2,000. It’s a Hail Mary, she says she’s praying for a miracle, hoping for a miracle."

CNN promoted a GoFundMe campaign through social media accounts which raised over $230,000. CNN’s story was originally titled, "More than $170,000 raised in 24 hours for mother and three kids facing eviction." It was later changed to, "More than $170,000 raised in 24 hours for Las Vegas woman facing eviction."

The network even brought Kelly and the three children back for a follow-up interview with Rep. Bush, after the Biden administration announced the CDC’s new ban on evictions. Bush said, "This is the least that we can do for you is to step up and make sure that you get to stay in the safety and comfort of your home, while we work on other things, to help make sure that your life and the lives of your children are better."

According to CNN, Kelly is the girlfriend of the children's father, and they will be returning to live with their real mother before the beginning of the school year. The network had portrayed Kelly as a "single mom."

After discovering that Kelly was not the mother of the three children used in the segment, a correction was added to CNN’s online report. "Update: After CNN aired a story about her potential eviction, Dasha Kelly clarified to CNN that she is not the mother of the three children featured in the story. CNN has verified she takes care of the children in her home for periods of time. She says she originally described herself to CNN as a mother because she considers herself to be like one to them."

A disclaimer was also added to the online version of the interview as well. "After CNN aired a story about her potential eviction, Dasha Kelly clarified to CNN that she is not the mother of the three children featured in the story."

Kelly wrote in the description of the GoFundMe, "My name is Kelly and I have 3 daughters living in Nevada. We were maintaining just fine before this pandemic hit. Now we are suffering. We do have EBT for food, and also applied for Chap. However, they do not assist immediately. We owe $1,900 for rent alone not including utilities. I will figure out utilities by pawning a few things. As you all know it is entirely still too hot to be homeless. My daughter's are aged 5, 6, and 8. Please help with anything you can."

GoFundMe has put the funds on hold.