News Americas, New York, NY, September 16, 2024: Haitian-born celebrities have joined in denouncing Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans over racist and false claims that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, are “eating pets,” including cats and dogs. These baseless accusations have sparked outrage among Haitian-American public figures, who are using their platforms to counter this dangerous rhetoric.
Haitian-born rapper and musician Wyclef Jean took to social media to express his thoughts on Trump’s claims, asking his fans to ignore the lies. “I will forever be grateful for my family’s life, that I had a fair chance to live what is called the ‘American Dream,'” Jean said. After immigrating to New York City at the age of 9, Jean emphasized the value of the immigrant community in America. “Haitian-Americans are good neighbors and good people,” he added.
“On behalf of Haitian Americans, I ask that we stop these racist messages and accusations. Raise your hands in peace and thank you for being my neighbor,” Jean continued. “We need to respect each other and vote based on policy and facts, not on crazy words. we are grateful to be part of an America for all.” Jean, a member of the Fugees, has long been vocal against Trump’s racist rhetoric, even releasing a freestyle in 2015 criticizing Trump’s comments about Mexicans.He also condemned Trump’s plan to deport some 60,000 Haitians since received temporary protected status after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Haitian-born actress Garcelle Beauvais, best known for her role on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hillsalso spoke out against the claims. In a video posted on her social media, Beauvais condemned the false narratives targeting her community, saying: “This madness has to stop.”
“Staying silent in the face of racism and hatred is something I refuse to do,” Beauvais said. “This past week, the lies that have been told about the Haitian community — about my community — have been disgusting, deeply hurtful and dangerous.” Beauvais, who moved to the U.S. from Saint-Marc, Haiti, at age 7, stressed that the issue transcends politics, saying, “We have to condemn this kind of hatred, this kind of racism, for anyone.”
False claims about Haitian immigrants were reinforced by Trump and his 2024 running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance. During the Sept. 10 debate with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, Trump falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating pets. Despite moderators and local officials debunking these statements, Vance continued to spread the conspiracy theory, further fueling fear in the community.
Beauvais, who has faced personal attacks on Real Housewives franchise, spoke out after these conspiracy theories led to bomb threats and a growing sense of fear among immigrants in Springfield. “I have always been a proud Haitian immigrant. Coming to America, working hard, that’s what we do,” she said. “And I’m not going to sit back and let people talk about my community any way they want for their own benefit.”
Melissa Chataigne, a first-generation Haitian-American designer, also condemned Trump’s rhetoric, calling his comments “ignorant” and hurtful. “It’s so ignorant and I don’t understand why Haiti, which has been through so much, always seems to be this punching bag for American politics,” Chataigne said. THE PEOPLE. “Enough is enough.”
The Haitian immigrant community in Springfield, Ohio, has been targeted by these conspiracy theories, leading to heightened tension. Bomb threats have been reported, schools are receiving threats and businesses are closing early due to safety fears. Springfield, a predominantly white city, has seen an influx of Haitian immigrants in recent years, drawn by the area’s economic revival.
These Haitian-American celebrities continue to stand up against harmful rhetoric, using their platforms to promote truth, unity and respect.
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