During the pandemic, the Shuttered Venue Operations Grant aimed to assist independent venues and arts groups. However, a new report has raised questions about how some musicians have utilized this funding. Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Marshmello are among those who received payouts. But did they use the money as intended?

Uncovering the Truth Behind Musicians' Grant Usage

Lil Wayne's Grant Disbursement

Lil Wayne received $8.9 million through the grant. His representatives did not respond to Variety's request for comment. It is alleged that he used a significant portion of this money for personal use. He spent $1.3 million on private jets, over $460,000 on designer clothes, and $2.14 million to settle a debt to his former manager Cortez Bryant. This shows how he diverted the funds meant for the benefit of the arts.There is a clear contrast between the purpose of the grant and Lil Wayne's personal expenditures. It raises concerns about the accountability of these musicians when it comes to using public funds. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the grant program but also leave taxpayers questioning where their money is going.

Chris Brown's Grant Allocation

Chris Brown received $10 million for his company CBE Touring. He paid himself $5.1 million and spent nearly $80,000 on his lavish 33rd birthday party. This indicates that he prioritized his own interests over the intended support for the arts. The large sum spent on his birthday party is a stark example of how the grant was misused.It is important to consider the impact of such actions on the arts community. With limited funds available, every penny should be used to help struggling venues and artists. Chris Brown's actions show a lack of responsibility and a disregard for the larger cause.

Marshmello's Grant Utilization

Marshmello was given a $9.9 million grant. Since he made more than $9.9 million from touring in 2019, all of the grant money went into his pocket. This raises questions about the eligibility criteria and the monitoring of the grant program.How did Marshmello manage to receive a grant when he was already earning a significant amount from his tours? It highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight to ensure that the grants are going to those who truly need them.In total, 13,000 arts groups received money from SVOG. Initially, musicians were not explicitly eligible, but the SBA reversed the decision in late 2021. The program included over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues. This shows the scale of the financial support provided, but also the importance of ensuring that it is used appropriately.The actions of these musicians serve as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in government-funded programs. It is crucial that the funds are used to support the intended beneficiaries and not for personal gain. Only by ensuring the proper use of these grants can we continue to provide assistance to the arts community during difficult times.