Local Politics · Miami, FL
Report Alleges Hate-Speech Influencers Tied to Referendum 3 Campaign
A report obtained by Miami New Times alleges that social media influencers hired through a $2.35 million political committee promoting Miami's Nov. 3 Referendum 3 posted racist, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQ content targeting opponents of the Virginia Key marina redevelopment. Campaign finance records show Dallas-based Suntex Marina Investors LLC was the sole donor to Help Save Virginia Key PC between July 20 and Oct. 9, with about $1.12 million directed to Miami firm Big Tuesday Media. The report does not establish that Suntex or its partners authorized the offensive posts, nor does it document direct payments to individual influencers. RCI Group VP Robert Christoph said he was unaware whether RCI or Suntex funded the influencer payments but defended the campaign's message; Big Tuesday Media owner Jorge Bustamante declined comment.