"These two shouldn't be singled out": Internet react as reports of Lil Wayne and Chris Brown misusing pandemic grant funds sparks debate 

Successful musical artists like Lil Wayne and Chris Brown are accused of misusing government-issued COVID-19 relief money. On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Business Insider published an exposé alleging music professionals of spending millions of dollars, meant for independent artists and venues, on themselves or personal luxuries.

According to the publication, these fellow artists applied for and received the Shuttered Venue Operations Grant (SVOG). SVOG is an economic aid program that assists eligible performing arts businesses that were affected during the pandemic.

Along with Weezy and Brown, musicians like Alice in Chains and Steve Aoki were named in the report. As news of the development spread, several netizens, including Instagram user @thejasminebrand, shared posts specifically naming Lil Wayne and Chris Brown, sparking a discourse. One commented:

"These two shouldn't be singled out. If they are pointing them out it should be all of them."

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Instagram/ @thejasminebrand)

Many criticized the uproar stating that everybody would have taken the money off, they were in the musicians' position. Some even noted that people were focused on Brown because of his recent success (sold-out show in the largest stadium in South Africa).

Comments reacting to the news (Image via Instagram/ @thejasminebrand)

Others questioned why multimillionaires were given grant money meant for struggling entities.

Comments reacting to the news (Image via Instagram/ @thejasminebrand)

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Lil Wayne allegedly received $8.9 million in a grant, while Chris Brown received $10 million

According to the SVOG website, any eligible party would be granted up to $10 million in relief. Those who could apply included live venues and operators, live venue promoters, theatrical producers, talent representatives, live performing arts organization operators, museums, and motion picture theaters.

The website further described the application process that required the party to make a good-faith statement that the funds were required to maintain "ongoing operations" of the company.

According to Business Insider, they also needed to show that their revenue declined "by at least 25% between one quarter of 2019 and the same quarter of 2020." However, the applicant's assets were not taken into account, allowing the wealthy musicians to apply.

Citing "thousands of pages of accounting documents," the publication detailed the SVOG grants received by various musicians (via the artist's "loan-out companies"), including Lil Wayne. It listed how the funds were used.

Per Business Insider, Lil Wayne allegedly received an $8.9 million grant, which was spent on luxury hotel stays, designer clothes ($460,000), and traveling ($1.3 million). He also used the money towards settling debt to ex-manager Cortez Bryant (approx. $2.1 million).

Chris Brown's CBE Touring company was granted $10 million in relief, of which the R&B artist allegedly pocketed $5.1 million. Per the publication, he reportedly used $80,000 on his 33rd birthday party.

DJ and music producer Marshmello was given a $9.9 million grant, which he allegedly took for himself entirely. Additionally, companies representing artists including Steve Aoki, Rae Sremmurd, and Alice In Chains, too, were named in the exposé.

Lil Wayne and Chris have not publicly reacted to the development.