Lil Wayne and Chris Brown, two prominent figures in the music industry, are reportedly under scrutiny for allegedly spending millions of dollars in public funds meant for COVID-19 relief on personal extravagances.
A Business Insider report claims that Lil Wayne received $8.9 million from a COVID-19 relief fund. This large sum of money was reportedly spent on lavish hotel stays, designer clothing, and even travel expenses related to nightclub appearances.
Interestingly, Lil Wayne, who boasts a net worth exceeding $150 million, allegedly used $1.3 million of the grant for private jet flights and nearly $500,000 on high-end clothing from brands like Gucci and Balenciaga. Additionally, a music festival appearance promoting his marijuana brand reportedly added $175,000 to the taxpayer’s burden.
Further accusations include spending $15,000 on hotel accommodations for women, featuring a porn star and a Hooters waitress. The relief funds were also allegedly used to settle a $2 million debt with his former manager, Cortez Bryant, along with paying over $1 million in commissions to Young Money president Mack Maine, and more than $1 million in legal and accounting fees.
When Business Insider contacted Lil Wayne for comments, he allegedly responded with a sexually explicit message but did not answer any questions regarding the claims.
Meanwhile, Chris Brown is also reported to have taken advantage of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant during the pandemic. Through his company, CBE Touring, Brown reportedly secured a $10 million grant, with half of this amount going directly to him.
The extravagant expenses didn’t stop there, as the taxpayer also funded his 33rd birthday party, reportedly costing $80,000, featuring nude dancers and a $3,000 dancefloor. Furthermore, nearly $1 million was reportedly spent on legal and accounting fees, with his manager receiving $823,000 from the grant.
Despite these serious allegations, Chris Brown has not responded to the accusations.
The controversy surrounding the misuse of relief funds isn’t isolated to just these two artists. Other musicians and bands, including Rae Sremmurd, Alice in Chains, and Marshemello, have also reportedly received hefty grants.
It’s uncertain whether the government will attempt to recoup any of the funds that may have been misallocated, as reports first surfaced about Lil Wayne’s alleged misuse back in March.
The grant program requires recipients to certify a “drug-free workplace,” which poses an interesting contradiction, given Lil Wayne’s known love for marijuana.
The allegations about Lil Wayne and Chris Brown raise significant concerns about the use of taxpayer money during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the artists remain silent, the public awaits any further actions from the authorities. Their silence, in the face of these accusations, leaves much to ponder.
