Wyclef Jean calls allegations baseless

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Haitian-born musician Wyclef Jean is denouncing allegations his charitable foundation may be mishandling donations.

The Miami Herald cited unnamed watchdogs as voicing concerns about the accounting practices of Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation, which reportedly collected $2 million shortly after last week's earthquake in Haiti.

The newspaper said an independent audit provided by the former Fugees singer's organization indicated it was managed closely with Jean's businesses.

Critics reportedly also have asked whether enough of the proceeds from Jean's past fund-raisers had gone to Haitian causes, the Herald said.

Jean is slated to serve as co-host of a telethon Friday to benefit the earthquake victims.

"My commitment to Haiti is a unique and everlasting bond," Jean said in a statement on his blog. "I formalized that commitment when I formed my first foundation, in 1994. From that day forward, I have spent tireless hours working on behalf of my homeland on development issues as well as human and immigrant rights ... It is impossible for me to even comprehend the recent attacks on my character and the integrity of my foundation, Yele Haiti. The fact that these attacks come as we are mobilized to meet the greatest human tragedy in the history of Haiti only serves to perplex me even further."

Jean said he first learned of these "baseless attacks" when he left Haiti late last Friday where he had been since 12 hours after the earthquake.

"Let me be clear: I denounce any allegation that I have ever profited personally through my work with Yele Haiti," Jean said. "These baseless attacks are simply not true. In fact, I have, time and again, committed significant amounts of my own money to support the work of Yele Haiti and other organizations in support of our efforts over the years. ... I will continue to commit my focus to what is most important right now: Haiti."