Lil Wayne Accused of Misusing COVID Relief Money Meant for Small Artists

Lil Wayne is facing scrutiny after a Business Insider investigation on Wednesday (December 19) revealed that he, along with other high-profile artists like Chris Brown and DJ Marshmello, misappropriated millions of dollars from COVID relief funds intended to support independent venues and artists during the pandemic.

According to the report, Lil Wayne received $8.9 million through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, a program initiated by President Donald Trump to aid struggling musicians and venues.

The report alleges that Wayne spent over $1.3 million of this grant on private jet travel and more than $460,000 on luxury clothing and accessories from brands like Gucci and Balenciaga.

Additionally, $175,000 was reportedly used to promote his marijuana brand at a music festival, along with spending on flights and luxury hotel stays for individuals loosely connected or unrelated to his music tour, including a waitress from a Hooters-style restaurant and a porn actress.

The exposé also details other artists’ lavish expenditures: Chris Brown reportedly received $5.1 million, using part of it to throw a lavish birthday party, while his touring company secured another $10 million.

DJ Marshmello topped the list with a $10 million grant. Meanwhile, Alice In Chains, despite receiving $3.4 million, reportedly did not use the funds to assist their longtime guitar tech and photographer who battled cancer, instead promoting a GoFundMe page for his medical expenses.

The investigation highlights the disparity between the use of federal aid by wealthy musicians compared to struggling independent artists who were the intended beneficiaries of the grant.

The story has sparked a broader conversation about accountability and fairness in the distribution of pandemic relief funds.