Shocking truth about Israel Folau's GoFundMe appeal emerges
As Israel Folau’s GoFundMe page soars past $600,000, it has emerged that the former Wallabies star has a $7 million property portfolio and recently sold a $500,000 lamborgini.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Folau has a number of properties in Sydney and Brisbane, the value of which have left many questioning why he needs the public’s money.
‘RUGBY IS INCLUSIVE’: Fan sets up GoFundMe page to counter Israel Folau
On Saturday, Folau took to social media to thank donors for pouring over half a million dollars into his legal fight against Rugby Australia, doubling down on his intention to use the funds despite public outcry.
The hardline Christian had his $4 million Rugby Australia contract terminated in May after a social media post citing the Bible was deemed homophobic.
It followed a similar incident last year.
The former NRL, AFL and rugby star received more than $630,000 in donations of a $3 million target to his online fundraising page as of 1pm on Sunday.
Over 8000 people have donated to help support the former player's legal stoush against RA.
But many are very confused as to how he could possibly need the public’s money, and where he got the $3 million figure from.
For those considering a donation for @IzzyFolau on #GoFundMe consider this: he owns a $500k Lamborghini. He’s made millions from 3 sporting codes. Please help kids medical charities instead.
— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) June 21, 2019
Israel Folau’s case should not cost more than 300k
— Josh Bornstein (@JoshBBornstein) June 21, 2019
Allow me to weigh in on #IsraelFolau and his hypocrisy. Aside from greed being considered a sin, this disclaimer on his #GoFundMe page is all you need to know. Also he has been paid in the realm of $10M for a decade in sport, without sponsorship included, where's that cash? pic.twitter.com/JfPARlslAm
— Paul Johnson (@pjohnson_sports) June 21, 2019
‘Support gives me strength’
He thanked donors on Saturday and said he was "unsurprised" by criticism from RA and media personalities regarding his decision to establish the Go Fund Me page.
"The money that is donated will be used to fund my legal battle, which could take years. While the attacks against me have shown I have a big fight on my hands, I will stand strong," Folau wrote on social media.
"Your support and my faith in Jesus Christ will give me strength."
In his initial plea for donations, Folau said he had "the fight of my life on my hands".
He has launched legal proceedings with the Fair Work Commission against RA and is seeking up to $10 million in damages.
The case could be a landmark test of religious freedoms in Australia.
RA were less than impressed by Folau's attempt to solicit donations online.
"From our perspective (Go Fund Me) is a place where sick children get support, so it's certainly not a strategy we think is appropriate," Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle told Nine News on Friday.
Former Wallabies teammate Drew Mitchell also slammed Folau's decision, saying there were others more deserving of donations.
"YOU are in a fight that YOU chose to be in after YOU broke the terms of YOUR contract, the kids below are in a fight they NEVER wanted to be in & yet YOU think YOU deserve donations more than they do??!!," he posted online.
YOU are in a fight that YOU chose to be in after YOU broke the terms of YOUR contract, the kids below are in a fight they NEVER wanted to be in & yet YOU think YOU deserve donations more than they do??!!
It’s no longer about religion, it’s about YOU and YOUR greed.@IzzyFolau 🤦🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/mdywzaw1ha— Drew Mitchell (@drew_mitchell) June 21, 2019
with AAP