High-profile artists including Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Marshmello are facing allegations of misusing millions of dollars in government-issued COVID-19 relief funds, raising significant concerns about the integrity of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program. This initiative was launched in 2020 to aid independent venues and struggling artists impacted by the pandemic.
According to detailed financial documents, Lil Wayne reportedly received $8.9 million from the SVOG. Of this amount, he allegedly spent over $1.3 million on private jet travel and more than $460,000 on high-end clothing from luxury brands. Notably, he also billed taxpayers over $175,000 for promotions related to a music festival for his marijuana brand.
Further investigations indicate that Lil Wayne also expensed nearly $15,000 on flights and luxury accommodations for individuals unrelated to his artistic endeavors. Additionally, he claimed just under $88,000 for a concert that ultimately did not take place on New Year’s Eve 2021.
In another case, Chris Brown’s company allegedly received a $10 million grant, with Brown personally taking home $5.1 million. Reports suggest that nearly $80,000 of this funding was funneled into an extravagant birthday bash featuring “atmosphere models,” high-end amenities, and exclusive treats.
Marshmello, the popular producer and DJ, is said to have claimed $9.9 million from the SVOG program, reportedly paying himself more than any other musician involved. Because his earnings from touring in 2019 exceeded this amount, he qualified for the full grant.
Additionally, other musicians such as Steve Aoki and members of Alice in Chains have also been implicated in misusing SVOG funds. The Small Business Administration, which oversees the SVOG program, acknowledged that it focused on revenue assessments but did not scrutinize the financial assets of applicants, leaving room for potential exploitation of the funds intended for struggling artists.
This situation calls for a closer examination of the SVOG program’s policies to prevent further misuse of financial aid intended for those in need within the arts community.
