Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Austin Metcalf. Outside the courthouse, people gathered to express their anger over the verdict, including Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes. In a video, she was seen shouting and making a special hand gesture, which has now sparked furious reactions.
On June 10, the jury found Karmelo Anthony guilty of the murder of Austin Metcalf and sentenced him to 35 years behind bars. Many had gathered outside the courthouse where supporters of Anthony showed their anger about the all-white jury members appointed.
Meanwhile, others were there to show their support for the Metcalf family. As the groups shouted and tried to be heard, another person appeared outside the courthouse.
Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes, became the center of a dramatic scene that was captured on video. Sitting in a car, with supporters surrounding it, Hayes leaned toward the window and shouted “Racist! Bias!” at the crowd. It was reported that some in the crowd were chanting those exact words as well.
Moments later, Hayes was seen making another gesture. As the car drove away, Hayes formed a heart shape with her hands. This gesture is typically associated with love and warmth. However, some viewers interpreted it differently.
Karmelo Anthony’s grandmother sparks online reactions with hand symbols
In the comment section to the video, posted on the NY Post YouTube channel, one person wrote, “I find them showing a hand gesture of a heart repulsive and disrespectful. Considering the young boy killed was stabbed in the heart… “
Another user asked Hayes, “Is that heart your making a symbol of where your grandson stuck a knife and murdered someone?”
“The fact this so called grandmother is smiling & making hearts instead of balling her eyes out after her grandson was sentenced to 35 years in prison is absurd! HOW RIDICULOUS!!!!” a third commented
Some commenters made more serious suggestions, implying that the gesture might have a completely different meaning.
Different meaning?
On the NY Post’s Instagram, one asked, “Was she throwing gang sign at the end?” while a second stated, “Throwing gang signs while driving tells me everything I need to know.”
Throwing gang signs, often being called “flashing” or “stacking, refers to the use of hand and finger gestures to form distinct symbols, letters, or shapes that are commonly associated with street gangs.
While the debate continues online, the real meaning behind the sign Karmelo Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes, remains unknown for now.
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