A planned fundraiser for the six Baltimore police officers charged in the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray has been canceled.
Former Baltimore police officer Bobby Berger, 67, said he wanted to host a fundraiser featuring blackface performers to help the officers with legal funds.
Berger was fired from the force in the 80s after his off-duty antics in blackface drew the ire of the NAACP.
The venue canceled the event upon finding out about Berger’s entertainment plans.
He said he sold about 600 tickets at $45 each for the Nov 1. event at Michael’s Eighth Avenue. He and several singers planned to perform as guests dined.
But after news of the event began spreading Wednesday, Michael’s posted a statement on its website saying the event would not be held at their venue.
“No contract was signed with Mr. Berger,” the venue wrote according to the Baltimore Sun. “Michael’s does not condone blackface performances of any kind. As an event venue, it has not been the practice of Michael’s Eighth Avenue to pre-approve entertainment that is planned as part of a contracted event. This policy will be carefully and thoughtfully reviewed.”
