Lil Wayne is under fire — again. This time, it’s over serious accusations of misusing nearly $9 million in pandemic relief funds meant for struggling arts venues. But the rap legend isn’t losing sleep over it.
In a new Rolling Stone interview, when asked about the allegations tied to the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), Weezy looked baffled and replied,
“I don’t know what that means.”
The Allegations:
According to a 2023 Business Insider investigation, Wayne received around $8.9 million through SVOG — a federal program aimed at helping venues survive during the COVID lockdown. However, the report claims that only $327,000 went toward legitimate tour contractors. The rest? Allegedly splurged on luxury hotels, designer fits, wild parties, and lavish vacations.
Wayne’s Team Says: Cap.
Wayne’s longtime manager Fabian Marasciullo quickly shot down the claims, telling Rolling Stone:
“He ain’t got nothing to do with none of that s**t. It’s not the way his money comes and goes… His accounts are audited and clean.”
About That Text…
Wayne also addressed the viral sexually explicit message he sent to journalist Katherine Long, who reached out for a comment on the grant scandal. He didn’t deny it — instead, he doubled down.
“Any female that text me is going to probably receive a sexual comment… If you text me and I send you something you don’t like, then suck my d**k.”
What’s Next? Tha Carter VI.
Despite the backlash, Wayne’s focus is locked on Tha Carter VI, dropping June 6. The upcoming album features an unexpected lineup, including Wyclef Jean, MGK, Miley Cyrus, and opera icon Andrea Bocelli. Plus, he’s assembled a New Orleans dream team supergroup The Gumbo, featuring Jon Batiste, PJ Morton, Trombone Shorty, and Ledisi.
