VIDEO: Wyclef Jean Denies Stealing Money From Haitian Quake Fund
Jan. 18 2010, Published 10:18 a.m. ET
Wyclef Jean is denying accusations he is pocketing money donated to his Haiti relief charity, Yele, as the native Haitian singer's organization continues collecting donations for his impoverished country in the wake of last week's devastating 7.0 tremor.
"I never, or would ever, take money for my personal pocket when it comes to Yele," the Fugees alum said in a clip posted this weekend on YouTube, adding that he has donated $1 million of his personal finances to Yele. "I gotta tell you, coming back in here after digging kids up and finding cemeteries for them this is what I come back to: An attack on my integrity and my foundation, Yele Haiti."
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Jean said he implemented an NGO charity (without governmental interference) to funnel assistance into the hands of those who need it. He added that, like many other business endeavors, Yele has its share of operating expenses.
Jean is offering concerned citizens a pair of ways to contribute to the relief efforts, via a $5 donation to his Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund by texting "Yele" to 501501 (the $5 will be charged to your cell phone bill); or by visiting Yele.org.
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