Overview

James O'Keefe was fired from Project Veritas shortly after releasing a viral undercover video of a Pfizer executive discussing potential virus mutation research, leading to a dramatic organizational collapse where PV went from $10 million in cash to $2 million in debt after his departure.

The firing appears connected to potential conflicts of interest among board members who had undisclosed investments in companies that "could be sold to Pfizer," with board member George Skakel making unsubstantiated financial claims against O'Keefe during legal proceedings.

O'Keefe experienced significant government pressure, including an FBI raid where agents seized his phones and reporter notebooks for 3.5 years, accessing confidential source information despite his requests for legal counsel.

After his departure, O'Keefe launched O'Keefe Media Group while continuing his investigative journalism approach, which includes strategic information compartmentalization, careful vetting of team members, and maintaining journalistic independence despite personal risks.

Content: James O'Keefe's Departure from Project Veritas and Aftermath

Background and Firing from Project Veritas

James O'Keefe was fired from Project Veritas and subsequently started a new organization called OMG (O'Keefe Media Group)
He released a documentary called "The Truth Inside Veritas" detailing his firing and subsequent legal battles
Project Veritas sued O'Keefe in an attempt to shut down his new organization

The Pfizer Video and Timeline Leading to O'Keefe's Removal

In January 2023, O'Keefe released an undercover video featuring Jordan Tristan Walker, a Pfizer mRNA research director

- Walker was recorded discussing potential "directed evolution" of COVID viruses - He suggested Pfizer was considering mutating viruses to develop new vaccines - Walker admitted this was not something they would publicly disclose

The video was released on January 25-26, 2023
During the confrontation filmed in a Brooklyn pizza restaurant, Walker physically assaulted O'Keefe
The video went viral with extensive viewership

Internal Project Veritas Aftermath

A board meeting was held on February 6th with 75 employees present
About 12 employees raised grievances against O'Keefe
O'Keefe describes this meeting as a "Maoist struggle session"
Accusations included:

- Allegedly eating a pregnant woman's sandwich (which the pregnant woman herself denied) - Misuse of black SUVs for transportation - Other "strange accusations"

On February 10th, James O'Keefe was indefinitely suspended/fired
O'Keefe was informed by his "number three guy" about plans to remove him as CEO, which he rejected

Board Members and Conflicts of Interest

Project Veritas required 3-5 board members for a 501c3 nonprofit
O'Keefe ultimately had 6 total board members across 501c3 and 501c4 organizations
Four board members who voted against O'Keefe:

- Matthew Teremond (described as the primary "orchestrator" with a Wall Street background and economics degree from University of Chicago) - George Skakel (related to the Kennedy family through Ethel Kennedy, from a wealthy family) - Joseph Barton - John Garvey

Steve Alembic, another board member, reportedly committed suicide within a year after some unspecified event
During a federal deposition, Skakel made a peculiar claim:

- Alleged O'Keefe owed $785,023 - Could not explain how he arrived at this specific figure - Claimed the calculation was based on 27 employment agreement violations - Refused to provide documentation for his calculation

Board members were co-investing in companies without O'Keefe's knowledge
Potential conflicts of interest existed, particularly with medical/pharmaceutical companies
Skakel mentioned companies that "could be sold to Pfizer"

Organizational Challenges

Board members were hesitant to join due to potential legal liabilities
O'Keefe has been sued dozens of times
Legal fees consistently outweighed assets
Organization was raided by FBI in 2021
O'Keefe acknowledges his mistake in not thoroughly vetting board members

Financial Consequences After O'Keefe's Departure

After O'Keefe was removed, Project Veritas experienced significant consequences:

- Donations completely stopped - Lost approximately 200,000 followers - Went from $10 million in cash with no debt to $2 million in debt - One donor requested a $1 million check be returned

During the board meeting that led to his removal, O'Keefe challenged the board about their plan, with Matthew Tierman claiming they would be "fine without James O'Keefe"

Current Status and O'Keefe's New Ventures

O'Keefe is in negotiations to reacquire Project Veritas
He is legally restricted from discussing specific settlement details
He has applied for the Project Veritas trademark
He continues to use the Project Veritas branding in his current work
His documentary is available for $9 at O'KeefeMediaGroup.com

O'Keefe's Philosophy on Journalism and Organization Building

Views his work as a mission, not just a business
Trying to create a sustainable organization that can challenge powerful people
Concerned about preventing corruption within his team
Seeking to build an organization with people who have strong convictions and are "not for sale"
Emphasizes journalistic impartiality and refusing to exchange information for money
Describes himself as a First Amendment "absolutist"
Philosophical stance: "If your price is not your life, then you are for sale"
Rejects traditional political labels (conservative/liberal)
Identifies more as a constitutionalist focused on First Amendment principles

FBI Raid Experience

O'Keefe describes being raided by the FBI, who seized his reporter's notebooks and phones for 3.5 years
The FBI closed the case without bringing charges, but redacted the entire probable cause section of the search warrant document
O'Keefe suggests this incident relates to the Ashley Biden diary story
During the raid:

- O'Keefe was handcuffed - Repeatedly requested to speak to a lawyer - Ultimately unlocked his phone to call his lawyer, which gave the FBI access

The American Civil Liberties Union supported O'Keefe in this incident
Agents accessed his Signal messages containing confidential sources
O'Keefe calls this a "constitutional raping" that violates protections for reporters

Epstein Case Discussion

O'Keefe mentions releasing new video/images from Epstein's properties, including:

- Videos from his bedroom in the Virgin Islands - Images of a mysterious chalkboard with cryptic writings - A strange picture of a baby in his dining room

Discussion of a hidden camera conversation with Pam Bondi, where she:

- Mentioned thousands of videos involving children/child porn related to Epstein - First made this statement privately to a nanny in a restaurant - Later repeated similar statements publicly at the White House

Details shared about Epstein's library, including unusual statues described as "demonic" and books including "Satanic Verses"
Discussion of Leon Black's financial connections to Epstein:

- Black transferred $170 million to Epstein's accounts over five years - Claimed the payments were for "tax advice" - US Senate Finance investigation revealed $12 million more in transfers than previously reported

Investigative Techniques and Team Building

O'Keefe describes investigative methods involving:

- Identifying targets through various platforms - Creating multiple profiles - Arranging meetings - Strategically gathering information through casual interactions

Testing team members' discretion takes time (approximately 2 years)
Using "controlled leaks" of information to assess an individual's reliability
Creating tiered access to information based on proven trustworthiness
Emphasizes finding people who are "unbreakable" and won't betray their principles

Reflections on Andrew Breitbart

Breitbart died of a heart attack at 43 in March 2012
He was O'Keefe's mentor
Described as an extroverted, passionate media figure who was "filled with righteous indignation"
Known for aggressive, confrontational style with media and political opponents
Frequently called out political figures like Obama, John Podesta, and George Soros
Discussion of suspicious elements around his death, including the death of Michael Cormier, a forensic technician who died on the same day Breitbart's autopsy was released

Personal Philosophy on Risk and Journalism

O'Keefe references other "truth tellers" like Gary Webb who faced extreme consequences
Not afraid of potential risks due to his work
Spiritual beliefs provide sense of protection
Believes in his journalistic mission
Has survived dangerous situations (e.g., riding "train of death" in Mexico)

"No One's EVER Seen This" James O’Keefe BREAKS Epstein Files, FBI RAID Plot & Project Veritas Split | PBD Podcast / Ep. 591