UltraViolet Demands YouTube Reinstate Ban on 2020 Election Denial Claims Through 2024 Presidential Election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Demands YouTube Reinstate Ban on 2020 Election Denial Claims Through 2024 Presidential Election

Gender justice advocacy group UltraViolet slams YouTube’s reversal on policy removing 2020 election denial content

WASHINGTON, DC — Last week, video streaming giant YouTube announced it will stop removing content that promotes disinformation about the 2020 US Presidential election. According to YouTube’s statement released on the company’s official blog, the platform will now allow others to promote and defend election fraud claims, including “those that are … based on disproven assumptions.”

In response, Shaunna Thomas, executive director of UltraViolet, a leading national anti-disinformation organization and gender justice rights advocacy group issued the following statement:

“We unequivocally demand that YouTube immediately reinstates its policy to remove 2020 election fraud claims and extends it through the 2024 presidential election.

“The integrity of our democratic processes must be a firm priority, not subject to negotiation. Reversing this policy is not fostering healthy debate; it is about profiting from lies and dangerous conspiracy theories that led to the violent insurrection at the heart of American democracy on January 6th and personal attacks and threats on Black women poll workers in Georgia.  YouTube could be using its power to encourage healthy debate based on well-researched, peer-reviewed, and fact-checked information not promoting falsehoods and conspiracies. Facts are not debatable.

“By reinstating this policy, YouTube has the responsibility to protect public discourse from the insidious spread of baseless disinformation that fuels division and undermines the very fabric of our institutions. We urge YouTube to stand on the side of truth and ensure a level playing field for fair and informed elections. It is imperative that we take decisive action today to safeguard the future of our democracy.”

In 2022, UltraViolet spearheaded a successful joint letter demanding that social media platforms, including Youtube, remove disinformation about midterm elections, Abortion, and de-platform accounts that threaten midterm poll workers.

The letter called on social media platforms, including YouTube, to:

• Remove false information and violence, including racist and sexist hate speech, threats against candidates and election workers, and hateful or violent political advertisements–even when that hateful content is posted by a public figure or celebrity.

• Address widespread false medical information on abortion since it is a hot-button election issue.

• Remove and de-platform users, including candidates and celebrities, who spread anti-LGBTQ+ lies and hate speech regarding so-called “grooming.”

• Depolarize social media by encouraging users to engage more frequently with legitimate, well-researched news and peer-reviewed articles–not disinformation, conspiracies, opinion posts, or claims that are not backed by science.

• Increase transparency around moderation decisions, staffing, and use of user data.

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE: https://weareultraviolet.org/medical-disinformation-on-facebook-instagram-tiktok-twitter-and-youtube/

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Ultraviolet to CNN: “Fire CEO Chris Licht,” Says Town Hall Handed Donald Trump Platform to Spread Lies & Disinformation

UltraViolet Responds to Ruling on E. Jean Carroll Lawsuit Against Donald Trump for Sexual Assault & Defamation

UltraViolet calls on CNN to Cancel Scheduled 2024 Town Hall Event with Donald Trump in New Hampshire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 2, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet calls on CNN to Cancel Scheduled 2024 Town Hall Event with Donald Trump in New Hampshire

WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, CNN announced it would air a town hall event at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire next week featuring current 2024 GOP frontrunner and former President Donald Trump. According to reports, Trump will answer questions from New Hampshire Republicans and undeclared voters who plan to vote in the 2024 GOP presidential primary.
In response, Shaunna Thomas, co-founder and executive director of UltraViolet, a leading national gender equality advocacy organization, issued the following statement:

“Donald Trump is a flagrant misogynist on trial for rape, an insurrectionist under investigation for attempting to overturn an election, and a notorious liar under indictment for hush money payments to an adult film star from his political campaign. CNN’s decision to provide Trump with a platform is dangerous.

“We’ve been here before. We know what happens when a major network gives Donald Trump free airtime and an unfettered platform to spew lies and hate. It did not end well. CNN should cancel this event now.

“And while Trump is likely to be the 2024 Republican presidential nominee – that is no excuse to platform disinformation without a clear plan to contain and fact-check it. CNN has proven unable or unwilling to check Trump’s disinformation in the past – it is reasonable to suspect they will fail to do so again here.

“CNN’s decision to platform Trump, nearly a full year before the GOP primary begins, isn’t about fair discussion or debate – it’s about ratings, and CNN’s craven attempt to allow our democracy to be subverted in a rush for ad dollars once again. Shame on CNN.

“We urge CNN to cancel this event.”
UltraViolet has long taken issue with CNN’s platforming of disinformation and promoting misogynists. In February, UltraViolet urged CNN to suspend Don Lemon after Lemon’s misogynistic on-air comments about women in their “prime.” The network fired Lemon last week. In 2018, UltraViolet called for the immediate suspension of Chris Cuomo at CNN for advising his brother on how to defeat sexual abuse charges.
In 2020, UltraViolet and a coalition of progressive organizations asked television networks, including CNN, to provide a one-minute delay during the Republican National Convention to actively correct disinformation in real-time.
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UltraViolet Calls Tucker Carlson’s Departure From Fox News “Long Overdue,” Criticizes Carlson for Spreading Disinformation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 24, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Calls Tucker Carlson’s Departure From Fox News “Long Overdue,” Criticizes Carlson for Spreading Disinformation

NEW YORK, NY — Moments ago, Fox News announced the departure of the controversial right-wing extremist Tucker Carlson from the network. Carlson’s departure comes on the heels of Fox News’s $787 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems for defamation after the network intentionally and repeatedly peddled false claims that Dominion voting machines were responsible for election fraud.

In response to the news, Bridget Todd, director of communications at Ultraviolet, a leading national gender equity advocacy organization, issued the following statement:

“Tucker Carlson is a toxic and corrosive person. His departure from Fox News is a good thing and long overdue.

“Carlson is one of the nation’s most prolific mouthpieces for white supremacy, misinformation, and misogyny. By providing Tucker with a platform on national TV for so long, Fox News has done extensive damage to our democracy.

“Good riddance, Tucker Carlson.”

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BREAKING: UltraViolet Applauds Don Lemon’s Removal From CNN, Says “No Room for Lemon’s Misogyny”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 24, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

BREAKING: UltraViolet Applauds Don Lemon’s Removal From CNN, Says “No Room for Lemon’s Misogyny”

NEW YORK, NY – Moments ago, CNN announced the termination of longtime anchor Don Lemon. Lemon’s termination comes after years of sexist remarks on air.

In February, Lemon commented that Nikki Haley “isn’t in her prime,” referencing Haley’s age and that “… a woman is in their prime in [her] 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.” POLITICO released documented incidents of misogyny and bias influencing Lemon’s reporting on-air.

In response to Lemon’s termination, Bridget Todd, director of communications at Ultraviolet, a leading national gender equity advocacy organization, issued the following statement:

“After years of Don Lemon’s flagrant and frequent misogynistic remarks about women, CNN’s decision to remove him is clearly the right one. There should be no room for misogyny on air or behind the scenes, let alone from leading personalities on national news networks.

“Last February, CNN announced a temporary leave of absence and anti-bias training for Lemon that lacked both sincerity and transparency. It was unclear who informed their decision or whether anyone was consulted outside of CNN.

“We hope Lemon’s termination sets a stark example for other anchors and personalities — sexist and misogynistic remarks will not be tolerated.

“It’s clear that the voices of CNN’s audience and demands of accountability play a significant role in how these decisions are made. We urge CNN to do better going forward.”

Last year, UltraViolet, along with members of the Women’s Disinformation Defense Project coalition and other allies, released an updated Fairness Media Guide for Covering Women And People of Color.
The updated recommendations emphasize focusing on women politicians’ credentials, expertise, and professional backgrounds, rather than race, gender, age, aesthetics, and demographic information.
VIEW THE GUIDE HERE: https://weareuv.us/mediaguide2022
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BREAKING: National Gender Equity Group UltraViolet Responds to SCOTUS Stay on Abortion Pill Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 21, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

BREAKING: National Gender Equity Group UltraViolet Responds to SCOTUS Stay on Abortion Pill Case

Supreme Court issues a stay leaves mifepristone as FDA’s authority to approve abortion drug mifepristone is questioned

WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the Supreme Court issued a stay on Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA allowing mifepristone, an FDA approved abortion pill, to remain fully available while additional appeals are made.

The decision comes after an order last Friday, which temporarily ensured mifepristone would remain widely available as the Supreme Court considered whether to grant the Biden administration’s emergency request to preserve the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug.

In response to the decision, Shaunna Thomas, co-founder and executive director of UltraViolet, a leading gender rights advocacy organization, issued the following statement:
“This case should never have been granted standing at all, let alone considered by SCOTUS. Today’s decision is the work of a lawless group of anti-abortion, anti-democracy extremists conspiring within and outside our government to ban abortion everywhere.

“The reality that millions of people may lose mifepristone access nationwide is still possible. Everyone who supports abortion rights and access to reproductive healthcare should know this decision puts our country in an even more precautionary position than after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

“In the meantime, we urge the Biden administration and state legislators to do everything in their power to preserve access to Mifepristone. We also urge all major pharmacy brands to publicly commit to making mifepristone available to every patient.”

In anticipation of the federal district court ruling in Amarillo, TX, UltraViolet called on:
Retail Pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid, Walmart, Costco, and Target to provide mifepristone to customers and release public statements about the safety and efficacy of the drug and brand commitments to provide it to their customers;
The FDA and the Biden Administration to ignore the ruling — a single federal district court judge should not have the power to halt a government agency’s authority, especially not over a safe, legal medication available for more than twenty years;
Governors to cut ties to pharmaceutical providers who refuse to dispense mifepristone, and for State Attorneys General to give assurances to providers that they will be protected from litigation if they continue to provide mifepristone;
All health insurance providers must cover abortion care, even in the face of this potential ban, and speak out against the ruling.
Last month, UltraViolet commissioned a mobile billboard in Phoenix, AZ at the American Pharmacists Association Conference, urging pharmacists to continue advocating for the protection of access to mifepristone.
VIEW THE PHOTOS HERE: https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/ultraviolet-calls-on-pharmacists-to-reaffirm
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BREAKING: Leading National Gender Equality Group UltraViolet Responds to SCOTUS’ Five Day Stay on Abortion Pill Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 14, 2023

CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

BREAKING: Leading National Gender Equality Group UltraViolet Responds to SCOTUS’ Five Day Stay on Abortion Pill Case

WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the Supreme Court issued an administrative stay temporarily halting Amarillo, TX Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s controversial ruling on mifepristone from going into effect this evening. The decision comes shortly after the Department of Justice’s appeal to the Supreme Court from the 5th Circuit.

In response to the decision, Shaunna Thomas, co-founder and executive director of UltraViolet, a leading gender rights advocacy organization, issued the following statement:

“Let’s be clear, the Supreme Court issuing a stay is not a ‘win.’ We are still in a very precarious situation when it comes to abortion pill access in the United States which, like all abortion access, is under relentless assault by Republicans.

“If not for this stay millions of people could have lost access to mifepristone nationwide. That reality is still possible.

“The Supreme Court justices are well aware that allowing a single district court judge to overturn the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, a rigorously tested, safe, and effective medication, could lead to significant legal repercussions for government agencies. And for some, the wide-ranging impacts that would have on people who need access to this life-saving drug throughout the United States. 

“While there is no short-term ban on mifepristone right now, this case proves how fragile reproductive healthcare is throughout our country and how relentless anti-abortion politicians and activists will be until abortion is banned nationwide.”

In anticipation of the federal district court ruling in Amarillo, TX, UltraViolet called on:

• Retail Pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid, Walmart, and Target to provide mifepristone to customers, and release public statements about the safety and efficacy of the drug and brand commitments to provide it to their customers; 
• The FDA and the Biden Administration to ignore the ruling — a single federal district court judge should not have the power to halt a government agency’s authority, especially not over a safe, legal medication available for more than twenty years;
• Governors to cut ties to pharmaceutical providers who refuse to dispense mifepristone, and for State Attorneys General to give assurances to providers that they will be protected from litigation if they continue to provide mifepristone;
• All health insurance providers must cover abortion care, even in the face of this potential ban, and speak out against the ruling.

Last month, UltraViolet commissioned a mobile billboard in Phoenix, AZ at the American Pharmacists Association Conference, urging pharmacists to continue advocating for the protection of access to mifepristone.

VIEW THE PHOTOS HERE: https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/ultraviolet-calls-on-pharmacists-to-reaffirm

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UltraViolet Calls Mifepristone Appeals Decision “A Massive Blow” After 5th Circuit Bans Mail Distribution & Implements 7-Week Ban

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 13, 2023

CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Calls Mifepristone Appeals Decision “A Massive Blow” After 5th Circuit Bans Mail Distribution & Implements 7-Week Ban  

5th Circuit Court of Appeals bans access to mifepristone after 7 weeks & bars mail distribution of drug

Last night, a federal appeals court agreed to maintain the availability of mifepristone, one of the nation’s most commonly prescribed FDA approved abortion medications, but under strict conditions that prohibit its use beyond seven weeks of pregnancy and bar its distribution by mail.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to temporarily block Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s ruling that suspended the FDA’s approval of the drug, but permitted blocking the agency’s seven-year effort to expand access nationwide.

In response to the decision, Shaunna Thomas, co-founder and executive director of UltraViolet, a leading gender rights advocacy organization, issued the following statement:

“The 5th Circuit’s decision will severely limit access to mifepristone nationwide. This is a massive blow to reproductive rights in the United States. Even so, our fight here is far from over.

“Mifepristone is a safe, legal FDA approved medication. The court’s politically motivated decision to curtail access to this life saving drug, despite its availability for the past twenty-three years, is detrimental to us all.

“By barring access to mifepristone after seven weeks, and prohibiting its distribution through the mail, we are thwarting access to a drug that was already heavily regulated by the FDA. Last year, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. This year, lower courts are chipping away at basic forms of access to reproductive healthcare. Abortion rights have been under attack by some of the nation’s most powerful lawmakers and public officials for years. This decision is a brutal reminder of what’s at stake.

 “As such, we urge pharmaceutical corporations and insurance corporations to step up now more than ever. Pharmaceutical companies must speak out against these rulings. Health insurance companies must expand coverage to abortion care for as many people and in as many states as possible.

“Last night’s decision should sound the alarm for anyone who supports access to reproductive healthcare. Mifepristone saves lives. Your support is needed now more than ever.”

In anticipation of the ruling last month, UltraViolet called on:

• Retail Pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid, Walmart, and Target provide mifepristone to customers, and release public statements about the safety and efficacy of the drug and brand commitments to provide it to their customers;

• The FDA and the Biden Administration to ignore the ruling — a single federal district court judge should not have the power to halt an entire government agency’s authority, especially not over a proven, safe medication available for more than twenty years;

• Governors to cut ties to pharmaceutical providers who refuse to dispense mifepristone, and for State Attorney Generals to give assurances to providers that they will be protected from litigation if they continue to provide mifepristone;

• All insurance providers must cover abortion care, even in the face of this potential ban, and speak out against the ruling.

Last month, UltraViolet commissioned a mobile billboard in Phoenix, AZ at the American Pharmacists Association Conference, urging pharmacists to continue advocating for the protection of access to mifepristone.

VIEW THE PHOTOS HERE: https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/ultraviolet-calls-on-pharmacists-to-reaffirm

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UltraViolet Responds to Federal Court Ruling Freezing Abortion Pill Access Nationwide as “Unacceptable, Dangerous, and Unprecedented”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 7, 2023

CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Responds to Federal Court Ruling Freezing Abortion Pill Access Nationwide as “Unacceptable, Dangerous, and Unprecedented”

Gender Justice Advocacy Group Calls Federal Court Ruling Barring Mifepristone a National Crisis 

AMARILLO, TX — Moments ago, a Texas judge issued a preliminary injunction against the United States Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Mifepristone, one of the two most commonly used abortion medications in the nation. If the Biden Administration does not seek immediate emergency relief within seven days, the ruling will bar access to mifepristone nationwide.

In response to the federal court ruling, Shaunna Thomas, co-founder and executive director of UltraViolet, issued the following statement:

“This sham lawsuit has made a mockery of our legal system. But sadly, today’s illegitimate ruling is now a very real threat to everyone in the United States. As a result, Mifepristone, a drug the FDA approved more than 20 years ago and is safer than Tylenol, may not be available to those who need it within a week.

“This ruling is unacceptable, dangerous, and unprecedented. 

“We have no illusions. We know this case was part of a coordinated political strategy designed by anti-abortion extremists to escalate the Supreme Court’s gutting of Roe v. Wade. One Trump-appointed judge with long-standing ties to anti-abortion extremists, and the Alliance Defending Freedom, a well-known Christian nationalist group, just took a court case filed intentionally within the jurisdiction of Amarillo, Texas to push their own ideological agenda. 

“Let’s be clear: The anti-abortion movement knows their position is unpopular and untenable, so they are using the courts as a blunt force weapon against our rights.

“Today’s injunction could halt access to mifepristone across the country, including states like New York and California. A freeze in mifepristone access would harm anyone who seeks medication abortion and limit safe miscarriage medications for people who need it. 

“We cannot let this happen. 

“The Biden administration must appeal this decision to the 5th Circuit Court immediately. Upon appeal, we urge the Fifth Circuit to remedy today’s ruling by ensuring access to this FDA approved medication.”

“Abortion rights are already in crisis, and could be vastly worsened by this ruling in red and blue states alike. We will not stop fighting until mifepristone remains available to everyone who needs it; no matter who they are or where they live. 

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