Russell Simmons Defends Wyclef's Yele; Exposes Other Non-Profits With Problems

Russell Simmons Defends Wyclef’s Yele; Exposes Other Non-Profits With Problems

Written by Elizabeth Malchow on January 23rd, 2010 in Celebrity News, Gossip/Rumors, Hip-Hop Justice, World, Hip Hop, News, Wyclef Jean, Russell Simmons.

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Photo of Russell Simmons
Russell Simmons comes to Wyclef Jean and his Yele Haiti Foundation’s defense at a press conference, quoting “He is a hero in Haiti, if he ran for president, he would probably win.” Russell doesn’t directly address the financial documents of Yele currently under scrutiny by many, as reported on www.HipHopRX.com, but he does point out that there are problems usually with charities and other non-profit organizations as well.

In the press conference, Russell says that Wyclef’s plan is to evacuate the people from what is being dubbed ‘the morgue’ and out them into tents, giving them food and supplies.

There are bodies everywhere and no where to bury the dead. Some bodies have already been buried/dumped, so some people will never know if their loved one is alive somewhere or if they’d been killed in the earthquake.

Russell never actually named the organizations that were “having problems,” but says that he knows for sure that they are too ‘having problems’ however Wyclef “did alot with a little.” Simmons added that we should concentrate on the people who are suffering on the ground, get them relocated like Wyclef is suggesting and get them access to some good healthcare.

Video: Russell Simmons Defends Wyclef and the Yele foundation

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6 Responses to “Russell Simmons Defends Wyclef’s Yele; Exposes Other Non-Profits With Problems”

bob wire Says:
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Yeah? Like who tough guy? You trying to stir up trouble again when the trouble is clearly focused on Wyclef’s thieving from his own “charity”…Now that the new money has been collected its time the IRS finish the investigation on this thief. He stole money…period…Crying Crocodile Tears because now the whole world knows it. And why did he not allow other performers from Haiti to share the bill last night with other performers? Why? Because all glory to Wyclef Jean. YOu fool Russell……dude is like Haitian officials whom for decades took money from the US and people with good intentions to line their own pockets—its a cultural thing there, its not believed to be wrongdoing—-but it is…and he got caught…and we know the details now. How dare you support this mans taking money like he did. May God Bless the Haitian People and the money collected last night all goes to them.
Stephanie Says:
January 24th, 2010 at 2:34 am
You know who already provides good healthcare, and not just spurious claims of future help with existing funds? Partners in Health and Doctor’s Without Borders. Wyclef’s celebrity and promotion of his ill-equipped charity are taking donations away from organizations who have the capability to help people in Haiti RIGHT NOW.
bellae Says:
January 24th, 2010 at 10:48 am
IRS has no case aginst him. His accounts have audited by the proper process and found sound. The entire sum of money in question is still less than half of his one million dollar personal money for startup.

Im glad he remained focused and organized the hope for haiti telethon with clooney that has raised over 57million for Haiti to be distributed through various charities. He is obviously dedicated enough to set aside ego and concentrate on raising funds to the same charities people use to lambast him when talking about efficiency. I guess thier jealous clef could raise so much. theyd better thank him, yes i know others contributed thier performances ecetera, for helping them raise even more. I guess the genral public is still smart enough to see whos real

Id rather Wyclef be paid $100k in his 15 years of yeles existence than have red cross pay its chief exec almost a million dollars every year. people need to put things in perspective, look at all the facts and shut up.
bellae Says:
January 24th, 2010 at 10:54 am
@Bob wire… funny youre calling Russell a fool when you lack smarts. The money raised last night was done through Wyclefs organizing and commmitment. your the fool for not even knowing the people that set that ball rolling.
I repeat Im glad Wyclef remained focused and ignored persons such as yourself and organized something so beneficial to Haitians.
HHC Digital » All The Hip-Hop News That’s Fit To Link… Says:
January 24th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
[…] be getting Trina for a mother. Meanwhile, Russell Simmons defended Wyclef’s much-scrutinised Yele for Haiti charity and there was speculation that Kanye’s past behaviour had got him blacklisted from ’Clef and […]
jim Says:
January 25th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Try the Red Cross. The CEO made over $500k. This is documented.

Wyclef is being targeted unfairly.