Wyclef Jean Blamed for Squandering Donations from Haiti Relief Efforts

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*When the earthquake devastated Haiti, several celebrities jumped on relief efforts, some more than others. Among the big names was Wyclef Jean who also made an attempt to run for president.

He helped raise monies and brought to light some of the major issues plaguing the small country during that time. But a recent report says he more than did some charity. He allegedly squandered off relief effort funds. The New York Post reports that only a fraction of the $16 million collected in the name of Haitian relief efforts has been given to the country’s recovery.

Jean’s charity, Yele Haiti gave out several questionable contracts. One of which ($1 million) was paid to a Florida firm that doesn’t even exist.

The New York Post also reported that a company called P&A Construction – which is run by Warnel Pierre, Jean’s brother-in-law — received $353,983 from the group.

But this isn’t the first time his organization, founded in 2005 with cousin Jerry Duplessis, has been in trouble. In 2008, reports emerged that proper tax documents were not filed for the foundation.

Also in 2009 the charity somehow lost $244,000.

After the earthquake hit, Jean went to Twitter asking for $5 donations. Shortly thereafter Yele Haiti made a donation to a TV station run by Jean and his cousin.

In a 2010 press conference, the singer defended his charity saying, “Did I ever use Yele money for personal benefits? Absolutely not. Yele’s books are open and transparent.”