Downtown Alliance backtracks, changing social media post on Myrtle Beach anti-gay ministry

Eleanor Nash
·2 min read

The Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance changed their social media posts about anti-LGBT Christian youth ministry Ground Zero on Saturday morning.

The new version shared that the non-profit renovated the historic Rivoli Theatre in downtown Myrtle Beach. Published to Facebook and Instagram, the updated post said, “The sharing of development activity does not indicate an endorsement of the views or beliefs of a business or group located in the downtown business district.”

Ground Zero’s website includes statements and Bible verses against gay marriage and homosexuality under the Biblical Positions section.

The original version of the post was published on Aug. 12 on the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance’s Facebook and Instagram pages. It included the hashtag #downtowndoesgood and used text from the organization’s website: “Ground Zero is a place where every teenager can go, belong and grow.”

Downtown Alliance CEO Jason Greene said in a Tuesday statement, “This was an important lesson in how we engage online, and we appreciate the input we have received from our community members.”

“The decision to edit this post was made with ad hoc input from members of the marketing and communications committee of the Board of Directors. Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance uses its social media channels to share the variety of tenants, offerings, and experiences that people from all walks of life can find in this district,” wrote Greene in an email.

Scott Payseur, founder and president of Ground Zero, did not provide a statement and declined an interview for the initial article. He has not responded to comments this week. Payseur made $143,354 in the role in the 2021-22 fiscal year, according to Ground Zero’s 990 filings. Ground Zero’s biggest fundraiser is the annual Dragon Boat Festival in Market Common.

The organization made $32,000 in rental income that same year. Since 2011, Ground Zero has leased the Rivoli Theatre for $1 a year from the City of Myrtle Beach, according to a lease agreement obtained by The Sun News.