Yele Haiti, the charity Wyclef Jean founded in 2009 after an earthquake demolished much of the country, is once again under fire for improper conduct and use of charitable funds, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
The organization has been under investigation by the Attorney General of the State of New York for the last year, and is said to have officially ceased operations some time this summer after the organization passed on making a $600,000 settlement agreement over misuse of millions.
This week, the New York Times published a detailed account of Yele’s financial records, which revealed many shocking details. After earning $16 million in 2010, the report revealed that the organization spent almost $9 million on office space, employee salaries and performance fees for Jean. Vendors who worked with the organization in the past are claiming they still have not been paid in full, while the Times reveals that a forensic audit showed that Jean’s family members received half a million dollar salaries for unnamed, unfinished projects.
Yesterday, the entertainer posted the following message on his Facebook page:
According to Jean’s spokesperson Melanie A. Bonvicino, ” At present my client Wyclef Jean and his legal team are working “assiduously” to resolve any pending issues with respect to Yele prior to its closing, as Mr. Jean continues his tireless commitment to his “beloved” country by remaining steadfast in his efforts to encourage the global community to join him in supporting ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.“
Fans followed up with mixed reactions. Many call him “a thief” who “should be in jail,” while others continue to show support for the star and the efforts he has put forth to “help his people.” What are your thoughts on this recent controversy? Do you believe Jean’s management of the charity’s funds was inappropriate or necessary? Tells us in the comments below.