High-profile artists like Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Marshmello are facing serious allegations for allegedly snagging and misusing millions in government-issued COVID-19 relief funds.
According to a fresh report by Business Insider’s Jack Newsham and Katherine Long. The exposé reveals how these musicians reportedly exploited the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)—a program launched in 2020 to support independent venues and struggling artists—to fund their already plush lifestyles with extravagant parties, designer gear, luxury travel, and more.
Business Insider dug into detailed accounting documents that show Lil Wayne raked in $8.9 million from the SVOG. Out of that, he supposedly blew over $1.3 million on private jet travel and more than $460,000 on high-end fashion from brands like Balenciaga, Marni, Raf Simons, and Gucci. He also allegedly charged taxpayers upwards of $175,000 for “expenses related to a music festival promoting his marijuana brand, GKUA,” which included outfits for artists linked to his label.
The misuse of these funds allegedly extended to nearly $15,000 spent on flights and luxury hotel stays for women who seemingly had no ties to Wayne’s touring business. He even billed taxpayers just under $88,000 for a concert that never happened (it was slated for New Year’s Eve 2021 in California).
Chris Brown’s company, CBE Touring, reportedly snagged a $10 million grant, with Brown himself pocketing $5.1 million. His extravagant 33rd birthday bash was said to have cost taxpayers nearly $80,000, which went toward “atmosphere models,” an LED dance floor, bottle service, hookahs, and “nitrogen ice cream,” among other lavish expenses.
Producer and DJ Marshmello is said to have received $9.9 million in SVOG funds, all of which he awarded to himself. Since he made over that amount touring in 2019, he was able to claim the full grant. According to Business Insider, Marshmello paid himself more than any other artist who received SVOG money, as Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and others allocated some of their funds to their managers, crew, and other staff.
