Fundraiser for Erin Piacenti, stabbed to death in Times Square, sparks social media row over organizer's Indian identity

Fundraiser for Erin Piacenti, the new mother who was stabbed to death at Times Square, triggered row as an Indian organized it.

The fundraiser for Erin Piacenti triggered a massive row on social media, as one Shray Gupta organized it on behalf of the family for Erin's five-month-old daughter, Madison. One Aman Gupta got trolled as an 'Indian scammer' as Aman shared the GoFundMe link from his X handle. "Our family is grieving after the horrific Times Sq attack this week. Please support Madison's future if you would like to help," Aman wrote. As people questioned the veracity of the fundraiser, Aman explained how he was related to the Piacenti family. But the trolling went on as many users questioned why the Piacenti family would need funds, as Madison's father, Frank Piacenti, is well-off. "On August 31, Erin Piacenti, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, was killed in a random, senseless, and unprovoked attack in Times Square. She was just 32 years old," the fundraiser said. "Five months earlier, Erin and her husband, Frank, had welcomed their first child, Madison. Becoming a mother was Erin's lifelong ambition, and Madison gave her the greatest possible joy. August 31 was Erin's first day returning to work after her maternity leave." "Erin's life was defined not by the circumstances of her death, but instead by the way she lived. Erin was deeply devoted to her family and friends, exceptionally bright and accomplished, and was someone who brought warmth and energy to the people around her." The fundraiser gave details of Erin's education and career. "Erin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied political science and sang in an a cappella group. She started her career as a buyer at Bloomingdale's. Erin later graduated from Fordham University School of Law magna cum laude, worked at Davis Polk for several years, and became a vice president at Bank of America," it said. "Erin's career accomplishments, however, speak to only a small portion of who she was. To the people who knew and loved her, Erin was a thoughtful daughter and sister, a loyal friend, a devoted partner and companion in every aspect of Frank's life, and, most recently, an incredibly loving mother to Madison." "Erin and Frank celebrated their second wedding anniversary this summer, had just returned from a family road trip upon her passing, and were preparing to build a life together with their new daughter. That life changed incomprehensibly in an instant," it said. The fundraiser also said that the funds will be dedicated to supporting Madison "as she grows up surrounded by the family, friends, stories, and memories that will allow her to know just how remarkable her mother was."

Is the fundraiser fake?

Contrary to the social media trolling, there was no evidence that the fundraiser was fake. Shray Gupta said she is Frank's brother-in-law and the fundraiser was organized in consultation with Frank and Erin's family. Aman who shared the fundraiser and got called out as an Indian scammer, is Shray's brother. Indian-American Advocacy Council founder Rajeev Sharma condemned the attack on the fundraiser and said "proud patriots" were busy focusing on being racist instead of supporting the grieving family.