Blogger Calls Off Pro-Rape Rally

A controversial blogger has canceled a worldwide rally designed to unite those believed to be pro-rape.

Blogger Daryush Valizadeh had planned a worldwide event that would stretch across 165 meetings in 43 countries—including one intended to direct supporters to the parking lot of Balagio Ristorante in Homewood and another on the North Side of Chicago near Loyola University.

But backlash to the events—and his ideas—apparently made him reconsider.

“I can no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend on February 6, especially since most of the meetups can not be made private in time,” he wrote on his website. “While I can’t stop men who want to continue meeting in private groups, there will be no official Return Of Kings meetups. The listing page has been scrubbed of all locations. I apologize to all the supporters who are let down by my decision.”