S. Samuel
Hollywood actor Sean Penn has once again called out Wyclef Jean in his attempt to run for the presidency of Haiti and questioned why he will not give up on a bid.
Penn published an open essay addressing Clef’s run for a chance to be nominated for the presidency.
In a story on the Huffington Post today, Penn said “My support is with the Haitian people, and whomever they lawfully select as their next President. It is, it seems, folly for we Americans to assume ‘our Haitian’ is their answer, simply because we enjoy the sense of identification we may feel, or are paid to espouse.” Penn concluded his article by saying “The real and devastating human issues in Haiti must be handled and led by a qualified president’s deft hand. These elections are crucial, and I have no part in them. Neither should Mr. Jean.” (Wall Street Journal)
Within the piece, Penn also highlights Clef’s questionable residency standards.
That drew this sharp response: “No, he doesn’t have to live in a tent. But it would be nice if he visited once and awhile.” He ends by pointing again to the “Larry King” interview and asking readers to ponder Jean’s response to questions about his residency in Haiti (he says he lives in the United States) and his fluency in French and Creole (he suggests the nation’s people should also learn English), the island’s native languages. (MTV)
Earlier this month, the actor was skeptical of Clef’s initial decision to run for office.
“The last thing in the world Haiti needs — and I’m not accusingWyclef Jean of being an opportunist, I don’t know the man … I worry that this is more a campaign about flying around the world talking to people, as he said. I would be quite sure it is of an influence of businesses here in the United States. One of the things Haiti needs is a leader who is genuinely willing to sacrifice.” (CNN)
After being ruled ineligible to run for the presidency last week, Clef said he was determined to fight for his opportunity.
“It is with a heavy heart that I tell you today that the board of elections in Haiti has disqualified me from my run for the presidency of the country. Though I disagree with the ruling, I respectfully accept the committee’s final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same. We must all honor the memories of those we’ve lost–whether in the earthquake, or at anytime–by responding peacefully and responsibly to this disappointment.” (Huffington Post)
Check out some recent footage of Wyclef Jean below:
