From Street Thuggery to Corporate Tragedy
Let’s rewind to December 2020, when the Proud Boys—ever the champions of “law and order” (but only when it suits them)—decided to storm through D.C. and vandalize the Metropolitan AME Church, tearing down and destroying a Black Lives Matter sign. Because nothing says “protecting Western civilization” quite like destroying church property and committing a hate crime in broad daylight.
Well, the church fought back, sued the group, and a judge ordered the Proud Boys to pay $2.8 million in damages. But—shocker—they didn’t pay up. So, instead of waiting around for money that was never coming, the church did something absolutely legendary: they took their trademark.
Yes, the legal rights to the Proud Boys’ name, branding, and merchandise now belong to a Black church. The same people the group has spent years targeting now own their entire brand.
Let’s all take a moment to let that sink in.
Tears, Excuses, and the Sound of Karma Knocking
So, how are the Proud Boys handling this historically humiliating defeat? Oh, not well.
Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio—currently enjoying a 22-year vacation in federal prison for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot—took to social media to whine about the ruling. He complained that the judge “denied due process” and that the defendants weren’t allowed to present a proper defense.
This is coming from the same guy who thought storming the Capitol was totally legal and who seemed less concerned about due process when his group was terrorizing people in the streets.
Then, in a moment of true comedic brilliance, he suggested that the Proud Boys rename themselves the “African Methodist Episcopal Boys.”
…Sir. Are you okay?
What Happens Now?
Since the Metropolitan AME Church now owns the Proud Boys’ trademark, this means:
The church can prevent the group from selling merchandise under the Proud Boys name (because, let’s be honest, these guys love their tacky t-shirts).
If any Proud Boys merch is sold, the church can claim the profits. Imagine them using Proud Boys’ money for community programs, civil rights initiatives, or—I don’t know—helping the very people these guys hate.
Any attempt to use the name without permission? The church can sue them.
This is like getting caught stealing, then having the judge give your house to the person you robbed.
#FAFO: The Internet Has a Field Day
Naturally, the internet had a blast with this one. Social media lit up with the hashtag #FAFO (short for F* Around and Find Out**), which honestly might as well be the official slogan for the Proud Boys at this point.
- “So the Proud Boys messed with a Black church and now that Black church owns their name? LOVE THIS MOVIE!”
- “The best part is they didn’t even pay the fine. They just let the church take everything. Genius business strategy.”
- “I hope the church starts selling ‘Proud Boys’ shirts with MLK quotes on them.”
Honestly? 10/10. No notes.
Final Thoughts: When Karma Hits Like a Freight Train
For years, the Proud Boys have tried to intimidate, threaten, and terrorize communities. They thought they could get away with anything. But, as it turns out, you mess around long enough, and eventually, you find out.
And today? They found out in the most spectacular way possible.
So, next time the Proud Boys want to play tough guys, they might want to double-check who actually owns their name first.
RIP Proud Boys™. We hardly knew ye.
