The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has taken a step back in a recent development, temporarily removing Chaya Raichik and her controversial “Libs of TikTok” account from its “Glossary of Extremism.” This decision followed Raichik’s demand to have her name expunged from the glossary, which she had publicly announced on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Raichik had earlier issued vague legal threats against the organization if they did not remove her name from the glossary by a specified deadline.
In an announcement on X, Raichik celebrated her removal from the list, asserting that the ADL’s decision to include her in their “Glossary of Extremism” had been politically motivated rather than reflective of her actual beliefs. The ADL confirmed the temporary removal but maintained that the potential litigation against them was without merit.
A letter from the ADL’s chief legal officer, Steven Sheinberg, to Raichik conveyed their disagreement with her claims of defamation and harm. It emphasized that the ADL’s reporting and opinions were constitutionally protected and accurate, considering Raichik’s status as a public figure. Despite the temporary removal, materials reflecting Raichik’s controversial views about and harmful impact on the LGBTQ+ community still remain on the ADL website.
This standoff underscores the broader discussion surrounding public rhetoric, online incitement, and real-world threats. Raichik’s “Libs of TikTok” account, with over 2.6 million followers, has been a source of controversy due to its anti-LGBTQ+ content, often inciting online harassment and real-world threats against individuals or events. Far-right influencers and followers of the account celebrated Raichik’s removal, viewing it as a victory for their anti-LGBTQ+ stance.
Before her removal from the glossary, the ADL had described Raichik and her account as a promoter of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and hostility, frequently targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, events, and organizations with harassment, threats, and violence. Experts have recognized the dangerous link between online hate and real-world violence, referring to it as stochastic terrorism. Raichik’s temporary removal from the glossary marks a new chapter in the ongoing discussion about online hate and its potential for transitioning into real-world threats. Despite this temporary setback, the ADL still categorizes Raichik and Libs of TikTok as “anti-LGBTQ+ extremists” on their website.