Wyclef resigns from embattled charity ahead of Haiti presidential campaign

Wyclef resigns from charity before Haiti campaign

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Wyclef Jean has stepped down as leader of the embattled aid group he founded as he prepares to formally declare his candidacy for the president of Haiti.

The singer released a statement that he was resigning the chairmanship of Yele Haiti effective immediately Thursday.

The Haitian-born, Brooklyn-raised singer is expected to officially file his election papers Thursday afternoon at the provisional electoral council in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.

The 40-year-old Jean said by running for president “my focus on helping Haiti turn a new corner will only grow stronger.”

Yele came under criticism for alleged improprieties including that it paid Jean to perform at fundraising events and bought air time from a television station he co-owns.