S. Samuel
Grammy-winning rapper Wyclef Jean has resigned from his chair at the non profit he founded amid talks of a Haiti presidential run and an outstanding debt he owes the IRS.
Wyclef is expected to announce his presidential campaign after stepping down from his post.
The singer released a statement that he was resigning the chairmanship of Yele Haiti effective immediately Thursday.The Brooklyn, N.Y.-raised entertainer was headed to his native Haiti and was expected to officially file his election papers Thursday afternoon at the provisional electoral council in the capital, Port-au-Prince. (AP)
He has made a statement about his commitment to his non profit organization.
“For the past five years, Yéle has been a huge part of life for me, my wife, Claudinette, and the rest of our family, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish for the country and people we love,” Wyclef Jean, 37, said in a statement. “I have learned many important lessons from my experience with Yéle, most notably the incredible power of individuals united by a sense of purpose and community.” (All Hip Hop)
While ‘Clef eyes the top job in Haiti he still owes a debt to the IRS.
Wyclef Jean, who appears ready to announce his candidacy for Haiti’s presidency, owes the Internal Revenue Service more than $2.1 million, according to federal tax liens filed against the musician, The Smoking Gun has learned. In May, the IRS filed a $724,332 tax lien against Jean. Last July, the agency filed a $599,167 lien against the performer. And a $792,269 lien was lodged against Jean in July 2007. The liens cover taxes due on Jean’s individual 1040 returns for 2006, 2007 and 2008. Copies of the liens, which were filed at the Bergen County clerk’s office in New Jersey, can be viewed at left. (The Smoking Gun)
In January, the rapper spoke on helping his fellow Haitians in their time of need.
“I have asked, the Haitian people on the ground of course is gonna be suffering, frustrated, violence, I tell them that I do not cry for myself,” Clef told reporters. “I cry for them. And I told them, just permit us a little time. We gonna be back on the ground on Saturday. And we’ll be back on the ground every week until we help the situation. We need to migrate at least two million people in different parts outside of Port-au-Prince — I give you my word, if I tell them to go, they will go but they need somewhere to go to. So help us work on these tents and as you work on these tents, keep in mind that we’re moving into the 21st century of Haiti. Which means beyond the tent, we’re working on new communities.” (Associated Press)
