The Karmelo Anthony trial has sparked racially-charged protests between Black and White Americans. Now, it appears the division just got a little confusing after a Black man who claims to be African went to the protest outside the Texas courthouse while carrying a “White Lives Matter” sign. This stunt has led to a fierce debate where the African was even allegedly threatened by other Black people in a viral video.
The incident occurred in Frisco, Texas, right outside the courthouse during the Karmelo Anthony trial on June 9. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison for stabbing and killing a fellow student named Austin Metcalf at a track meet back in 2025, and his actions, as well as the particulars of the trial, such as the all-white jury, have led to protests like the one above captured by X user @ElijahSchaffer.
In the video, you can see and hear a Black man who supports Austin Metcalf arguing with other Black protesters who support Karmelo Anthony. The man is also clutching a “White Lives Matter” sign while arguing with Black people, shouting, “I’m from Africa. I’m blacker than all of you… from the motherland! Born in Africa! From Ethiopia,” presumably after the supposed pro-Anthony protesters questioned his commitment to his race or heritage.
“We don’t need you here!” the protesters retorted, with one of them even allegedly gesturing something violent, prompting the Ethiopian man to respond, “That’s a death threat!” It’s not clear what happened after the presumed death threats or whether both parties were safe after the footage, but so far, there have been a couple of arrests at the site of the protests prior to Anthony’s sentencing.
People online have joined the debate
The video has since been viewed by more than 3 million people online, with many commenting because of the Ethiopian man for arguing with the supposed pro-Anthony protesters. The Ethiopian’s stance alone has sparked debates, though it also reinforced some racial stereotypes against African-Americans. Others were still caught up with why Karmelo Anthony even has protests in his name.
“He committed murder! And you think K. Anthony should go free? It’s called accountability…The parents should have done a better job parenting. They can only blame themselves…” according to one X user. Another commenter argued, “Regardless of race, standing up for justice for a victim shouldn’t be controversial. Color-blind principles still matter.”
Sadly, the Karmelo Anthony trial protests are not as civil as the video above. Other verbal altercations involved back-and-forth racial slurs from both Black people and White people, with one woman even hurling the controversial slur around casually and comparing the protesters to chimpanzees. Meanwhile, Anthony’s verdict is still under pressure as he files an appeal for his murder conviction.
