An investigation by Business Insider has revealed that music artists Lil Wayne and Chris Brown used millions from a pandemic relief program for luxury expenses instead of supporting their touring crews and business operations.

The grant program, designed to aid the live entertainment industry during COVID-19, provided up to $10 million per recipient for "ordinary necessary" business expenses. Recipients had to prove a 25% revenue decline between 2019 and 2020 quarters to qualify.

Key findings from the investigation:

• Lil Wayne spent grant money on:

  • Private jet flights
  • Luxury brand clothing (Gucci, Balenciaga)
  • $175,000 for his personal brand expenses
  • $5.3 million for managers, accountants, and attorneys
  • $2 million to settle a debt with former manager Cortez Bryant

• Chris Brown's spending included:

  • $5.1 million in personal compensation
  • $80,000 for his 33rd birthday party
  • $10 million total through his CBE Touring company

Other artists like DJ Marshmello received $9.9 million, using a provision allowing "owner compensation" equal to their 2019 touring income.

Senator Gary Peters called this "an abuse of federal resources," stating the funds were meant for struggling businesses and workers, not wealthy celebrities.

The Small Business Administration has reportedly recovered $43 million in grants, though $6 billion remains under review for compliance. Despite creating a recovery team, public records indicate no staff had been assigned to it as of September.

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