Minnesota Karen Shiloh Hendricks hurls racial slur at 5-year-old boy: Incident sparks outrage, and raises over $200K, but for the wrong reason

In late April 2025, a disturbing video emerged from Soldiers Memorial Field Park in Rochester, Minnesota, capturing a woman, identified as 36-year-old Shiloh Hendricks, directing a racial slur at a 5-year-old Black child. 

The incident, recorded by a bystander, quickly went viral, igniting widespread condemnation and sparking intense discussions on social media platforms.

“Yeah, what if he acts like one”

In the footage, an individual confronts Hendricks, questioning her use of the slur. She responds by alleging that the child had taken items from her toddler’s diaper bag, stating, “Yeah, what if he acts like one… he took my son’s stuff.” 

Meanwhile, because of that justification, the public was outraged, with many viewing it as an unacceptable rationalization for racist behavior, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported.

The virality of the video led to significant backlash against Hendricks. But in a surprising turn of events, she initiated a crowdfunding campaign on GiveSendGo. She claimed that her personal information, including her address and Social Security number, had been leaked.

“I am asking for your help to assist in protecting my family. I fear that we must relocate,” Hendricks’ campaign said. “I have two small children who do not deserve this. We have been threatened to the extreme by people online. Anything will help! We cannot, and will not live in fear!”

She stated that the funds would assist her family in relocating for safety reasons. As of early May, the campaign had amassed over $250,000, with some reports indicating the amount surpassed $300,000.

“Close to $200K for calling a kid a [slur]”

Critics argue that this fundraising effort rewards reprehensible behavior. Social media users expressed disbelief that Hendricks could financially benefit from an incident involving racial abuse. One user commented, “She really came up from this. Close to $200K for calling a kid a [slur].”

In response to the incident, local organizations and community leaders have voiced their concerns. The Rochester branch of the NAACP condemned the behavior captured in the video and emphasized the need for community-wide education on racial sensitivity and inclusivity. They emphasized the importance of supporting victims of such incidents and holding perpetrators accountable.

Furthermore, the incident has prompted discussions about the role of social media in amplifying such events and the ethical implications of crowdfunding in situations involving alleged misconduct. 

In that discussion, some argue that individuals have the right to seek support during personal crises. Others contend that platforms should implement stricter guidelines to prevent the monetization of harmful behavior.

As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of racism and the challenges communities face in addressing and combating such issues. In the end, the incident underscores the importance of fostering environments where all individuals, regardless of race, feel safe and respected.