Shiloh Hendrix’s fundraiser nears $1 million after guilty verdict in case involving autistic Black child

The Minnesota case, which drew national attention after Hendrix directed a racial slur at an autistic Black child, continues to spark debate online.

A fundraising campaign for Shiloh Hendrix has surged again after a Minnesota jury found her guilty of disorderly conduct in a case involving an autistic Black child. The renewed donations have reignited debate over racism and accountability.

According to Newsweek, Hendrix’s GiveSendGo campaign has raised more than $920,000, bringing it close to its $1 million goal following last week’s verdict. The case stems from an April 2025 incident in Rochester, Minnesota, where Hendrix was recorded directing the N-word at an 8-year-old Black boy with autism during an argument at a playground. The video quickly spread online, sparking outrage across the country.

The child’s father testified that his son, who has autism, has a history of wandering away and taking items without understanding ownership. He said his son wears a GPS tracker issued by law enforcement because of those challenges. A jury found Shiloh Hendrix guilty of one count of disorderly conduct related to her confrontation with the man who recorded the incident. She was sentenced to probation, a $1,000 fine and 200 hours of community service. She has announced plans to appeal the conviction.

Despite the guilty verdict, Shiloh Hendrix supporters continue donating to her fundraiser. Some donors described the case as a free speech issue, while others posted racist messages. GiveSendGo said hosting the campaign does not represent an endorsement of Hendrix’s actions, regardless of public opinion. Meanwhile, the Rochester branch of the NAACP welcomed the conviction, saying it represented an important step toward accountability. The organization also noted that a separate fundraiser launched for the young boy’s family raised more than $340,000.

The case continues to resonate because it sits at the intersection of race, disability and public accountability. The continued financial support for Hendrix after her conviction has also raised broader questions about cases involving racism.