Not long after Wyclef Jean announced to the world his bid to run for Haiti Presidency, it was met with strong opposition from former band member Pras and actor Sean Penn. Both feel that Clef’s run for the high office is rooted in ulterior motives.
Sean Penn Believes Wyclef Has Ulterior Motives For Running For President
“What the Haitian people need now is a leader who is genuinely willing to sacrifice,” Penn said. “I haven’t seen or heard anything of him in these last six months that I’ve been in Haiti. I think he’s an important voice. I hope he doesn’t sacrifice that voice by taking the eye off the very devastating realities on the ground.”
Penn mentioned past allegations that Jean mishandled funds from his nonprofit organization Yele Haiti and used some of the money donated for Haitians.
“He claims he didn’t do it. That has to be looked into it,” Penn said. “I’ve been there. I know what $400,000 could do for these people’s lives.”
Sean Penn Has His Doubts
Sean also pointed out the fact that as an Ambassador for Haiti he was rarely seen in the country and only jumped into action after the earthquake disaster.
According to New York Daily News, Wyclef’s fellow Fugees star Pras announced Thursday he’s supporting another hopeful.
“I endorse Michel Martell as the next president of Haiti because he is the most competent candidate for the job,” Pras said in a statement.
Pras took to his Twitter account to express himself.
“All Haitians around the world it’s going to take all of us to start this reconstruction for Haiti!!! Michel Martelly for president 2010!!!” he tweeted. “It’s official the people are asking for it I’m here in the belly of Haiti I endorse Michel Martelly as the next president of Haiti!!!!!”
Noted popular blogger Sandrarose.com had this to say about Wyclef running for office:
“Wyclef opens his mouth and removes all doubt that he’s ignorant. I guess you don’t have to be in Haiti or help out in refugee tents — or even speak the native language to run for president of Haiti? Maybe Sean Penn should run for president since he’s clearly doing more for the Haitian people than Wyclef who is all mouth and little action.”
Wyclef Responds to Sean Penn’s Criticisms
“I just want Sean Penn to fully understand I am a Haitian, born in Haiti and I’ve been coming to my country ever since (I was) a child. He might just want to pick up the phone and meet, so he fully understands the man.”
