Proud Boys changes name to ‘African Methodist Episcopal Boys’ after D.C. judge rules it no longer has control over trademark

A Washington D.C. judge has ruled that The Proud Boys no longer has control over its trademark.

Control of the trademark was transferred to the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church by Judge Tanya Jones Bosier of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The church was attacked by members of the group in December 2020 during a rally, according to The Hill.

This move prevents the group from being able to sell merchandise bearing the logo and name of the organization, and they will need to ask permission from the church to utilize the trademark in any way. Judge Bosier made the ruling after the group failed to pay up following a $2.8 million default judgment in favor of the church, meaning that the church can now attempt to seize any funds resulting from “any sale, transfer, disposition, or license” of the logo or trademark.

Enrique Tarrio, former leader of The Proud Boys, responded to the judgment on X.

“The ProudBoys are now changing our name to the… ‘African Methodist Episcopal Boys’,” he snarked, sharing an article on the news.

In a follow-up post containing his statement to The New York Times, Tarrio compared the church’s actions to the “Pharaoh’s oppression of the Israelites.”

“As a follower of Jesus Christ, I see disturbing parallels between this church’s actions toward the individuals and families involved and the Pharaoh’s oppression of the Israelites in the story of Moses. This church has engaged in a campaign of harassment and falsehoods, evidenced by their every filed motion,” he said. “Furthermore, the presiding judge has denied due process to myself and the other defendants, preventing us from presenting a proper defense. We were subjected to unjust incarceration and mistreatment at the hands of our own government, leaving us no recourse.”

“This organization, masquerading as a church, must be subjected to a thorough audit, and its non-profit status revoked immediately. The judge’s conduct in this case necessitates impeachment and investigation. Their actions are a betrayal of justice, reminiscent of Judas’s treachery,” Tarrio continued. “I hold in contempt any motions, judgments, and orders issued against me.”

“Though the corrupt judicial system unjustly confined me two weeks ago, my faith in Jesus Christ has set me free. I pray for their sake they do not suffer the same fate as Pharaoh. However, let it be known: retribution is inevitable,” he warned. “I fear NOTHING. With God as my strength and guide, I stand firm. As Isaiah 54:17 proclaims, ‘no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,’ declares the Lord.”

Sierra Marlee

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