Wyclef Jean Responds to Yéle Haiti Allegations

We reported yesterday about the tax documents uncovered by The Smoking Gun that made Haitian-born musician and producer Wyclef Jean's NGO, Yéle Haiti, seem a bit self-serving. While Yéle Haiti has probably done plenty of good for the impoverish nation, the numbers and circumstances still raises a lot of red...

By Jose D. Duran

January 16, 2010

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We reported yesterday about the tax documents uncovered by The Smoking Gun that made Haitian-born musician and producer Wyclef Jean's NGO, Yéle Haiti, seem a bit self-serving. While Yéle Haiti has probably done plenty of good for the impoverish nation, the numbers and circumstances still raises a lot of red flags.

Jean took to YouTube today to respond to the allegations saying, "Give to Bill Gates or whatever charity you want to." He also adds, "I've never and would never take money for my personal pocket when it comes to Yéle," and says he is "disgusted" by the accusations.

Still, Gawker writes that a source says while Yéle may mean well, it's not equipped to handle in the influx of donations due the earthquake in Haiti because "it's not a disaster relief organization."

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Jose D. Duran is associate editor of Miami New Times where he primarily oversees the arts and culture and music beats. Jose joined the New Times staff in June 2008 but has been covering Miami culture since 2005. His work has also appeared in publications likeVice, Billboard, and Spin. He’s earned numerous accolades including placing first for Weekly Newspaper Contest: Business Reporting from the Florida Press Association in 2020; placing third for the Writing: Light Feature from the Florida Press Club in 2019; and placing third in Weekly Newspaper Contest: Best Obituary from the Florida Press Association in 2015. Jose holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

Contact: Jose D. Duran

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Twitter: @jose_d_duran