Patrisse Cullors: Black Lives Matter co-founder resigns

Black Lives Matter's co-founder says she is resigning from its foundation, but not because of what she called right-wing attempts to discredit her.

Patrisse Cullors said she will leave the foundation that she has led for nearly six years on Friday.

The 37-year-old activist's finances came under scrutiny last month after it was reported she owned four homes.

Black Lives Matter has become a global rallying cry since she and her co-founders created the hashtag in 2013.

Ms Cullors said she would step down from the Black Lives Matter Global Network to focus on her forthcoming second book, An Abolitionist's Handbook, and a TV development deal with Warner Bros highlighting black stories. 

In a statement, she said: "With smart, experienced and committed people supporting the organization during this transition, I know that BLMGNF is in good hands. 

"The foundation's agenda remains the same – eradicate white supremacy and build life-affirming institutions."

Ms Cullors told the AP news_copy agency her resignation had been planned for more than a year and was not related to baseless claims that she had misused donations to acquire her property portfolio.

"Those were right-wing attacks that tried to discredit my character, and I don't operate off of what the right thinks about me," she said.

The BLM Foundation told AP in February that it had raised $90m (£63m) amid last year's racial justice protests following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.