A recent investigation has revealed that prominent musicians Lil Wayne and Chris Brown used millions in pandemic relief funds for lavish personal expenses rather than supporting struggling touring crews and venues as intended.
According to Business Insider's investigation, Lil Wayne received funding through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, which he used to fund luxury hotel stays, designer clothing, and nightclub appearances over a two-year period. The rapper spent over $1.3 million on private jet flights and $460,000 on high-end brands like Gucci and Balenciaga.
Chris Brown received $10 million in relief funds through his CBE Touring company, with $5.1 million going directly into his own accounts. The investigation found Brown spent nearly $80,000 of taxpayer money on his 33rd birthday celebration.
The relief program was designed to help entertainment venues and arts organizations survive revenue losses during pandemic lockdowns. Recipients had to demonstrate at least a 25% drop in revenue between 2019 and 2020 quarters to qualify.
Former U.S. Controller General David Walker questioned the spending patterns, stating "At a minimum, it smells. Whether it's legal or not is up to a lawyer or ultimately to a court."
Senator Gary Peters, who chairs the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, called it "an abuse of federal resources" and emphasized that pandemic relief was meant to assist struggling businesses and workers, not wealthy celebrities.
The Small Business Administration, which oversaw the program, reports recovering only $43 million in questionable grants so far. An estimated $6 billion in grants remain under review for compliance with program rules.
While Lil Wayne allocated some funds to business expenses, including $5.3 million to managers and attorneys, this amount was 13 times more than what he paid his touring crew - the workers the program was primarily intended to help support during the pandemic shutdown.