A Florida mother has gone viral after accusing her homeowners association president — labeled by social media users as a “racist Karen” — of filing a lawsuit against her and her 5-year-old son for touching a neighborhood tree.
The shocking dispute has drawn widespread outrage online, with thousands condemning the HOA president for allegedly harassing the single Black mother and her child by issuing fines, complaints, and filming the boy daily — all because he touched a tree near the sidewalk.
“She’s Suing My 5-Year-Old for Touching a Tree”
The mother shared her story through emotional TikTok videos, explaining that the HOA president’s harassment began after her son touched a tree in a common area.
“She filed a complaint and is trying to take legal action against me and my 5-year-old son,” the mother said.
She added that the tree is not located on private property and that no HOA rule prohibits children from touching or climbing trees. Still, the HOA president cited a vague clause banning “noxious and offensive behavior,” calling the child’s actions a “public nuisance.”
“I’ve never felt so defeated in my life,” the mom said. “She can’t get to me, so she gets to my five-year-old for touching a tree. All of this is retaliation because I told her not to yell at my kids.”
Allegations of Racial Targeting
According to the mother, the harassment didn’t stop with the lawsuit. She said the HOA president began filming her son from her window every morning as he waited for the school bus.
“She wakes up every day at 7:30 a.m. to record my son,” she said tearfully. “I had to tell him not to touch trees anymore.”
The mother also claimed the HOA president fined her for leaving her garbage can out, even though other residents were not penalized.
“She’s targeting me because I’m Black,” the mom said. “No one else is getting fined — just me.”
Community Rallies Around the Family
Determined to stand up for herself, the mother distributed copies of the lawsuit and flowers to her neighbors, exposing what she called an abuse of power within the HOA.
“I had two choices — bow down to this racist woman or fight back,” she said. “I chose to fight.”
Neighbors quickly voiced their support, calling the situation “disgusting” and “a clear abuse of HOA authority.”
“What’s the complaint — that he touched a tree?” one neighbor commented. “If that child were white, this wouldn’t be happening.”
Another urged, “Start a GoFundMe for your legal fees — we’ve got your back!”
Fighting Back and Demanding Change
The mother now plans to run for a seat on the HOA board to challenge discrimination from within. She is also considering legal action of her own, including a restraining order against the HOA president for harassment and racial bias.
“Former HOA manager here,” one online supporter commented. “She can’t make legal threats without board approval. Don’t pay that fine — fight it publicly.”
A Symbol of Everyday Racism
The viral story has become a symbol of how racism and abuse of authority can appear in ordinary neighborhoods. Many commenters said it highlights why some homeowners dread HOA-controlled communities.
“She’s not protecting the neighborhood — she’s policing it,” one user wrote.
Despite the controversy, the mother says she plans to stay put and keep defending her son.
“I’m not going to let her bully my child over something as innocent as touching a tree.”
Would you stay in a neighborhood after something like this — or move out? Join the conversation below.
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