Former Deputy Claims Harris Helped Close Backpage, Fallout Affects Sex Workers

Bibhu Pattnaik

September 15, 2024

In the midst of the 2024 presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself under the microscope for her involvement in the closure of Backpage.com, a well-known online platform for adult services, during her time as the Attorney General of California.

What Happened: Harris took a strong stance against the founders of Backpage.com in 2016, leading to the first-ever criminal charges against the website.

This case, which never saw the inside of a courtroom, triggered a nationwide crackdown on the site and is currently a significant aspect of Harris’ hardline crime narrative in her presidential bid.

However, detractors argue that Harris’ strategy was excessively punitive. They contend that Backpage.com was primarily a safe haven for sex workers to liaise with adult clients for consensual services. They allege that the site’s closure hindered efforts to probe into cases of underage or forced prostitution.

Also Read: Trump Vs Harris: New Poll Reveals Post-Debate Swing Towards This Candidate In Key State

Maggy Krell, one of Harris' former deputies in the California attorney general's office said, “Every politician of every party is on the bandwagon to say what they've done to fight human trafficking, right? What's unique about Harris is she started it all. She literally started it all."

"She was the first one out of the foxhole on Backpage," Krell added. "I remember the conversation really well. She was really concerned about the victims."

Just last month, the 76-year-old co-founder of the website was handed a five-year prison sentence on a federal money-laundering charge. He started serving his sentence this week, while his legal team works on an appeal.

So far, the Harris campaign has not provided any comments on her part in the Backpage shutdown or her current stance on the criminalization of prostitution.

Why It Matters: The Backpage.com controversy is a significant part of Harris’ past and could potentially impact her presidential campaign.

Her role in the shutdown of the platform, which was widely used by sex workers, has been criticized as overly punitive and detrimental to efforts to investigate cases of coerced or underage prostitution.

As the presidential race heats up, it remains to be seen how this issue will affect Harris’ campaign and whether her stance on the criminalization of prostitution will evolve.

Imminent FDA Decision Could End Obesity in America... - Ad

Oil = Monthly Income - Ad

September 23 - The Biggest Crypto Event in History - Ad

Elon Musk humorously commented on the recent endorsement of Kamala Harris by George Bush Jr.-era former Vice President Dick Cheney.

Scaramucci Says Melania Trump Would Prefer Kamala Harris To Donald Trump As President

Anthony Scaramucci has claimed that Melania Trump would rather see Kamala Harris win the presidency than her own husband.

What If Kamala Wins? The 3 Words That Will Change Everything

What If Kamala Wins? The 3 Words That Will Change Everything - Ad

The same team that predicted Biden's downfall ... now warns of a new threat. Learn how to safeguard your future.

Mother Sells Taylor Swift Tickets Over Star's Endorsement Of Kamala Harris: 'I'm Gonna Shake It Off, And I'm Done With You'

A mother has chosen to sell the Taylor Swift concert tickets she had bought as a birthday present for her daughter in response to the pop star's recent endorsement of Kamala Harris.

Huge payout expected for a rare coin bought by Ohio farm family and hidden for decades

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) -- Three sisters from Ohio who inherited a dime kept in a bank vault for more than 40 years knew it had some value. But they had no idea just how much until just a few years ago.

New "Living Missile" to Replace Nuclear Missiles

New "Living Missile" to Replace Nuclear Missiles - Ad

CBS News Reports: "It's an entirely new type of weapon." The New York Times Reports: "No existing defense can stop it." And one small company is building them for the Pentagon!

Harris Vs. Trump: Vice President On Top By Three Points, How Her Lead Compares To The 2020 Election At This Point In Race

A new 2024 election poll of likely voters shows a three-point lead for Kamala Harris. There is good and bad news from the poll for the vice president.

E. Jean Carroll Case: Appeals Court Skeptical of Trump's Bid to Overturn Sexual Abuse Verdict

E. Jean Carroll's case sees an appeals court skeptical of Donald Trump's bid to overturn a $5 million verdict for sexual abuse and defamation.

Exposed: Democrats' Secret Plan to Keep Trump Out of the White House

Exposed: Democrats' Secret Plan to Keep Trump Out of the White House - Ad

Former advisor to the CIA, the Pentagon and the White House Jim Rickards just released this shocking new video exposing Democrats' secret plan to keep Trump out of the White House... Even if he wins the election. See the details and learn how to prepare... Because this could trigger the biggest constitutional crisis in our nation's history.

DHL sues MyPillow, alleging company founded by Mike Lindell owes $800,000

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Package is suing MyPillow, alleging the company synonymous with its founder, chief pitchman and election denier Mike Lindell owes nearly $800,000 for unpaid bills.

Bill Ackman And Elon Musk Blast Kamala Harris For Her Social Media Posts During Debate With Trump: 'Even Her Tweets Are Not Her Own'

Recent comments by prominent figures have sparked debate over Vice President Kamala Harris's social media activity and public engagement. Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, raised questions about Harris's involvement in her own X posts during the recent Republican primary debate.

Silicon Valley Billionaires Are Quietly Buying Into What We Call the "Imperium" Boom

Silicon Valley Billionaires Are Quietly Buying Into What We Call the "Imperium" Boom - Ad

See why Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel are making huge bets on this breakthrough now.

The Coast Guard will hear from former OceanGate employees about the Titan implosion

U.S. Coast Guard officials investigating the implosion of an experimental watercraft en route to the wreck of the Titanic were scheduled Monday of the company that owned the Titan submersible.

Jerome Powell-Led Investigation Finds Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic Breached FOMC Rules, Created 'Conflict Of Interest' Over Securities Trading Violations

Raphael Bostic, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, breached Federal Open Market Committee rules and Reserve Bank policies, according to a report by the central bank's Office of Inspector General.

America Can't Afford a Harris Presidency

America Can't Afford a Harris Presidency - Ad

New research from Jim Rickards - former advisor to the CIA - reveals shocking predictions about an "Election Meltdown" coming this November. Jim's showing all American patriots why an "Election Meltdown" could crash stocks by 50%, lead to the final demise of the dollar, even cause violent riots in the streets.

Trump's Campaign Slapped With Lawsuit Threat After Jack White Calls Them 'Fascists'- 'You Should Lose Every Military Family's Vote Immediately!'

Jack White of the White Stripes has condemned Donald Trump's campaign as "fascists" and threatened legal action after an aide used a clip of the band's 2003 hit "Seven Nation Army" in a pro-Trump social media post.

Behind the nonprofit helping a diverse new generation of culinary professionals heat up New York

NEW YORK (AP) — A side of beef bigger than a classroom desktop sat before high school students huddled around a kitchen on New York's Lower East Side. “Anyone wanna jump in?” asked the butcher teaching the Tuesday afternoon class. One student dared, grabbing a sawblade about as long as his arm and sweating to successfully separate the short rib from the rib eye.

The "Amazon Coin" -- To Be Bigger Than Bitcoin?

The "Amazon Coin" -- To Be Bigger Than Bitcoin? - Ad

Starting September 23rd, this tiny 3-cent crypto could partner with one of the biggest companies in the world... Amazon. Declassified video reveals "Amazon Coin" ahead of $27 trillion crypto revolution. One team of crypto experts have identified it as the most promising crypto of 2024.

Treasury recovers $1.3 billion in unpaid taxes from high wealth tax dodgers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS has collected $1.3 billion from since last fall, the agency announced Friday, crediting spending that has ramped up collection enforcement through President Joe Biden's signature signed into law in 2022.

Tron Founder Justin Sun Channels His Innner SBF: 'I'll Buy As Much SUN As You Have At $0.03, Then Go...'

Tron (CRYPTO: TRON) founder Justin Sun recently took to social media to confront critics of his newly launched Sun (CRYPTO: SUN) token, echoing a move reminiscent of former FTX founder

Why Are These Strange "Accidents" Happening All Over America?

Why Are These Strange "Accidents" Happening All Over America? - Ad

Across America, strange "accidents" are happening in greater numbers than ever before. Jets are falling apart, chemicals are spilling, construction workers are being electrocuted -- and no one knows why. In his new exposé, American financial analyst Dan Ferris reveals the silent force behind this trend... why it's destroying this country from the inside... and where all signs suggest it's about to strike next: the U.S. stock market.

Firm offers bets on congressional elections after judge clears way; appeal looms

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — You can now do more than just vote in this fall's Congressional elections: You can bet on them, too.

Executives Buying Core Scientific And 2 Other Stocks

When insiders purchase shares, it indicates their confidence in the company's prospects or that they view the stock as a bargain.

U.S. Loses to China in Shocking WAR GAMES

U.S. Loses to China in Shocking WAR GAMES - Ad

Pentagon says new "living missile" key to winning a future conflict. Investors stand to reap 35,960% on shares of the small defense contractor that makes powerful new weapon.

Shaquille O'Neal Reflects On Divorce, Fatherhood And Personal Accountability: 'I Was Lost. 76,000 Square Foot House By Yourself'

For many the topic of divorce and overcoming the great life obstacle can be tough. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal shared his candid thoughts on the topic.

Stellantis Fires Back At US Dealer Council's Allegation Of 'Short-Term Decision-Making:' Carmaker Says 'Public Personal Attacks' Not The Way To Solve Problems

Carmaker Stellantis NV said on Wednesday that it takes "absolute exception" to the open letter sent by the President of U.S. Stellantis National Dealer Council (NDC) Kevin Farrish to company CEO Carlos Tavares, terming it a "public personal attack."

Seven Unknown AI Stocks That Could Dominate the Next Six Years

Seven Unknown AI Stocks That Could Dominate the Next Six Years - Ad

The original "Magnificent Seven" stocks generated 16,800% over the last 20 years. But now a new set of AI stocks is set to take over. Alex Green dubs them "The Next Magnificent Seven." And he's arguing that just $1,000 in each could turn into more than $1 million in less than six years.

Stakeholder in Trump's Truth Social parent company wins court ruling over share transfer

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A federal judge in Delaware has ruled in favor of a firm seeking assurance that it will be able to sell its minority stake in the parent company of former president Donald Trump’s .

Johnson & Johnson-Spin Off Kenvue Wins Lawsuit Over Pain Killer Tylenol 'Rapid Release' Gelcaps

Kenvue defends against a consumer lawsuit alleging that its Tylenol "Rapid Release" gelcaps did not relieve pain faster than regular tablets. A federal judge ruled the claims were preempted by FDA regulations.

Analysts Are Projecting "Safe-Haven" Stock Will Nearly Double

Analysts Are Projecting "Safe-Haven" Stock Will Nearly Double - Ad

Already up nearly 50% in the last 6 months this gold company has an analyst target nearly twice its current price. With 40+ investment banks and funds already invested it's no wonder this $1.3B company (trading under $2) is grabbing investor attention.

Investigators say dispatching errors led to Union Pacific train crash that killed 2 workers

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Dispatching errors combined with the failure of two backup systems allowed a Union Pacific train to that had been parked on a side track for nine months in Southern California two years ago, killing an engineer and a conductor, according to a report issued Thursday.

Peter Schiff Highlights Bitcoin's Underwhelming Performance Against Gold In The Past 6 Months: 'The Momentum Has Flipped'

Renowned economist Peter Schiff recently pointed out a significant divergence in the performance of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and gold over the past six months, a trend he believes is largely overlooked.

My TOP Altcoin for Right Now Is...

My TOP Altcoin for Right Now Is... - Ad

Searching for the top investment opportunity in crypto? Look no further. Our $3 report gives you the full scoop. You'll get this exciting token's name, our recommended investment strategy, and growth projections. Time is of the essence with this one...

WHO and Africa CDC launch a response plan to the mpox outbreak

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization launched on Friday a continent-wide response plan to the outbreak of mpox, three weeks after WHO declared outbreaks in 12 African countries a .

Elon Musk-Backed California AI Safety Bill SB 1047 Has 57% Chance Of Being Signed By Gavin Newsom, Polymarket Shows

Prediction market Polymarket shows 57% chance of California passing AI safety bill SB 1047, sparking debate among tech leaders and upcoming discussion at Benzinga event.

Don't Buy Another Stock Until You See This

Don't Buy Another Stock Until You See This - Ad

We face a widespread collapse unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes. By taking 4 simple steps today you can stay safe from the coming catastrophe. Which is why I want to rush you my new book "Midnight in America" FOR FREE.

Residents in a Louisiana city devastated by 2020 hurricanes are still far from recovery

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — Every other day Lois Malvo waits for her son to bring six buckets of water from a spigot in the backyard. He then bathes his 78-year-old mother using water heated on the stove and washes her with a spray pump he bought online.

Walmart Division Sam's Club Raises Wages For Hourly Associates: A Strategic Move To Stay Ahead In Retail

Walmart Division Sam's Club boosts pay for frontline workers and provides guidance for their financial future. This leads to more productive and loyal employees.

Why We Just Sold Half of Our Stocks

Why We Just Sold Half of Our Stocks - Ad

We've already sold all or part of 52 different stocks this year - more than any other period in our firms' history. That's because there are five cracks forming below this market that threaten us with a widespread collapse. We could see the market tumble by 50% and unemployment will triple.

On the first day without X, many Brazilians say they feel disconnected from the world

SAO PAULO (AP) — The blocking of social media platform X in Brazil divided users and politicians over the legitimacy of the ban, and many Brazilians on Saturday had difficulty and doubts over navigating other social media in its absence.

Trending Now