- A Cincinnati wedding photographer says a couple tried to cancel their contract after learning she supported
Black Lives Matter . - "We cannot bring ourselves to support anyone who is so outspoken on matters that simply do not concern them," the bride wrote, "as well as someone that does not believe that ALL lives matter."
- Photographer Shakira Rochelle told them the deposit was non-refundable and said she was donating the deposit to BLM.
A Cincinnati wedding photographer says a couple tried to cancel their contract after she posted support for the Black Lives Matter movement on social media.
On June 5, Shakira Rochelle posted a BLM graphic on Instagram, writing that her business "stands in solidarity with the Black community."
"The Black Lives Matter movement has my endless support," she added.
On Monday, Rochelle shared an iMessage conversation in which an unnamed bride requested her deposit back.
"We have done a lot of talking and we cannot bring ourselves to support anyone who is so outspoken on matters that simply do not concern them," the bride wrote, "as well as someone that does not believe that ALL lives matter."
The bride said she and her fiancé would be "embarrassed" to have Rochelle at their wedding. "You aren't stable enough to complete the job we need from you," she added.
In response, Rochelle reminded the bride their contract stipulated their deposit was nonrefundable. She also indicated she was donating at least a portion of it to BLM.
"I wish you a lifetime of growth and I would like to thank you for your donation to Black Lives Matter."
The ex-client told Rochelle she would be hearing "from our attorney."
Rochelle did not respond to a request for comment but, on Wednesday, she posted a followup, refuting a claim she was trying to profit off the Black Lives Matters movement.
"This is the most incredibly absurd thing I have ever heard," Rochelle wrote. "The original post started out private until a friend asked if she could share it. I never had the intention or desire to go viral for this or anything else."
Rochelle said she's already booked through the winter and couldn't take on more clients if she wanted to. She added that she thought about deleting her post, but "it would go against everything I stand for."
"I have always stood up for human rights and will continue to do so," she wrote. "tI have marched with my loved ones as well as alone. My intentions are pure. Please know that what you saw from me was the complete story."
Expanded Coverage Module: black-lives-matter-module