S. Samuel
Academy-award winning actor/activist Sean Penn has responded to remarks made last weekend when Wyclef Jean accused him of using cocaine during a live concert.
Speaking via a statement, Penn denied the rapper’s allegations.
Responding to Jean’s cocaine comment on Friday, Penn’s spokesperson issued this statement: “Mr. Jean is clearly unfamiliar with the physical demands put upon volunteers in Haiti. As aid workers there, the notion of depleting the body’s immune system thru the use of illicit drugs is ludicrous.” (The Star Ledger)
The statement went on to accuse Clef of lying to the public.
“As the leader of this organization, Sean Penn has not only set this policy, but adheres to it,” Penn’s representative said. “That Mr. Jean would make such a false accusation is reckless and saddening, but not surprising.” (All Hip Hop)
Performing at New York radio station Hot 97 Labor Day Weekend “On Da Reggae Tip Live” concert, Clef aired out his thoughts on Penn and ex-associate Pras.
“If I was president….I got a message for Sean Penn, maybe he ain’t see me in Haiti because he was too busy sniffing cocaine. I got a message for Praswell, even though you don’t want to support me, I got love for you, even though you only kicked 8 bars for the Fugees…” (Miss Info TV)
Last month, Penn penned an open editorial piece questioning Jean’s Haiti presidential pursuit.
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)
Check out footage of Wyclef Jean speaking on Sean Penn down below:
