Photo: Elle Star – GoFundMe
Elle Starr, the person who started a GoFundMe campaign to support her friend who was recently injured (LINK - warning: graphic images) has released a joint statement with said friend, Shawn Jones.
The VPD has said that they were "unable to locate any evidence that the injuries were caused by a criminal act or an assault” and concluded that “This incident is not being categorized as an assault."
The two take issue with this and the way the media - including us - is relaying this information and framing the story.
We have posted the update in its entirety below.
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In light of some recent news articles that have been portraying this GoFundMe account in a very negative light, we want to issue an update to all supporters.
From myself, I started this GoFundMe account to help a friend who was hurt and in need. There has never been an intention to mislead or scam anyone through this effort to help. I believe Shawn, as do SO many of you, and it disheartens me to see such efforts to discredit her; this is sadly an old story when it comes to stories of assault, both women and men alike.
Anyone who knows Shawn or myself knows these accusations are absolutely out of character and unlike anything we would ever do. I truly believe my integrity, as well as Shawn’s, will hold up in light of these efforts to twist what has happened.
Please remember, in the end, we have supported a beloved friend, colleague, family member, or however you relate to Shawn, in her journey to recovery.
But here are more details below, from Shawn herself.
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Shawn:
Despite what the media outlets are saying, this investigation IS in fact open, and the VPD officer that spoke with the media, spoke out of turn: this is what I was told when I went to the VPD station on Saturday. I was also told a re-issuing of a new statement would take at least two days, all while these articles continue to circulate… The statement should be released by Tuesday.
I avoided speaking to the media for several reasons; first and foremost because it has been a very stressful time for me, and despite the support, the attention has been difficult. But my silence was my choice, and I was bullied into defending myself when some of the media then chose to publicize stories that were calculated and one-sided, deliberately leading the public to believe there is a scandal at hand.
To those of you who DO know us, you have been so amazing in seeing through this all. Your unwavering support means the world to me. To those of you who supported this GoFundMe who do not know myself or Elle, this must be terribly confusing and frustrating, as you do not have any reference to who we are, or our character as very honest and respected individuals in our industry.
Thank you for everyone’s continued support.
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[More from Elle]
Shawn has not withdrawn any money from the GoFundMe account, and will not do so until she is confident people are still comfortable supporting her. Please know you are more than welcome to request a refund if this simply doesn’t sit well with you. GoFundMe refunds do take up to 7 days to process.
Thank you.
