PANDEMIC

Lil Wayne Got $9 Million In COVID Aid For Having A Drug-Free Tour Workplace

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According to Business Insider, Lil Wayne is one of many artists who got a sizable check from the U.S. government for their touring practices. Moreover, he reportedly claimed that his touring company was a “drug-free” workplace so that authorities would give him $9 million in federal pandemic aid through the Small Business Administration (SBA). Specifically, the former Hot Boy apparently gave stern warnings to his co-workers about the “dangers” of drugs on tour, and threatened punishment or rehab to anyone caught using substances. Then, when he and his team requested aid from the SBA, they approved his request and cut him an $8.9 million check to Young Money Touring, Inc.

Not only that, but apparently Post Malone is another artist who used this justification for his touring company to get more funds. While neither he nor Lil Wayne have shied away from their drug use, it seems like the SBA doesn’t take into account past activity. In addition, the agency’s inspector general had admitted last year that its employees only had about four hours to review and respond to applications. As such, some fans and publications believe that this is the result of a rushed process not having the time or resources to make a thorough revision. But that’s only if there’s a lie here, which we have no concrete reason to believe… nor, admittedly, deny.

Read More: Lil Wayne’s Son Neal Previews Another Experimental Track, Fans React

Lil Wayne Performing At The iHeartRadio Music Festival 2023

Lil Wayne Pandemic Aid Drug Free Workplace Tour Hip Hop News
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 22: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Lil Wayne performs onstage during the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 22, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

Via a statement, the SBA clarified that they did not consider “personal actions” from folks like Lil Wayne or drug use from March 2020 to June of 2022, which is presumably the period of eligibility for this compensation. “When you have social status, your substance use is treated in a different way,” public health expert Harold Pollack of the University of Chicago remarked. “They don’t brutalize a lot of celebrities for behaviors that we would very harshly treat in people with less prestige.” These touring companies received aid under the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, intended to uplift music venues amid bankruptcy and, as a federal program, required certified compliance with federal laws.

“The fact that touring artists have a different lifestyle doesn’t mean that they weren’t impacted in a substantial way by the pandemic,” Josh Schiller stated. He’s a lawyer with past entertainment industry clients who sued for marijuana’s legalization. “Was there a better use of those grants? I think that’s really a good question.” If the SBA finds that Weezy lied about this tour environment, the team could face a lawsuit or heavier prosecution. For more news and the latest updates on Lil Wayne, stay up to date on HNHH.

Read More: Lil Wayne & Former Private Chef Settle Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Will Allow Music Venues To Reopen In April

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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had some measured good news for the state’s music fans: arts, entertainment, and events venues will be allowed to reopen in April, according to The New York Times. However, there will be limitations, of course, in the interest of public safety. Venues will be capped at 33% capacity, with a maximum of 100 people for indoor and 200 people for outdoor venues. Venues that can administer COVID-19 tests to all attendees can increase that number to 150 people indoors and 500 outdoors. The new rules are set to go into effect on April 2.

However, the Times does note that the limits won’t make it feasible for many venues to open; unless attendees get absolutely loaded, venues likely won’t be able to cover the costs of re-opening, keeping some — or most — effectively closed down until restrictions are lifted further. For instance, Broadway shows won’t be coming back until Labor Day, considering how much cost goes into production — shows that only get 33% attendance generally close within a season. Further complicating the issue is social distancing; many venues would require even lower numbers than that to accommodate six feet of distance between attendees.

But having outdoor shows back could be a good look, especially for indie performers and smaller, lower-production shows. Meanwhile, with something like an average of 65,500 new cases per week and over 517,000 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, it might be better to be safe than sorry. With the vaccine rollout expected to allow more venues to reopen in the fall according to Presidential chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci, fans may appreciate waiting just a few more months.