Marshmello and Steve Aoki Received Millions in COVID Grant $

The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted many industries worldwide, particularly the music industry, which faced unprecedented challenges. Musicians, who depend heavily on live performances for their income, struggled to make ends meet as concerts and tours were canceled. However, not all musicians faced dire situations during this time. Some, such as Marshmello and Steve Aoki, were fortunate enough to receive millions of dollars in COVID relief funds. This led to controversy and raised questions about the allocation and use of these funds.

Marshmello, whose real name is Christopher Comstock, and Steve Aoki are both well-known DJs and producers in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. While many artists were facing financial hardships, these two were not among them. The Small Business Administration (SBA) provided guidance that allowed artists to use grants paid to their loan-out company to pay themselves, as long as the amount was not greater than what they received in 2019.

Marshmello reportedly received a staggering $9.9 million grant during the pandemic and Steve Aoki reportedly received a staggering $2.4 million in grant money on payroll costs, of which $1.9 million was officer pay. Aoki is the company’s only officer. Aoki’s publicists didn’t respond to requests for comment. However, more than a year later, the SBA requested proof of where the funds had been allocated. In response, Marshmello’s business manager, Steven Macauley of NKSFB, stated that all the money had gone directly into Comstock’s pocket. This raised eyebrows and led to questions about the legitimacy of how the funds were used.

Controversy and Backlash

The controversy surrounding Marshmello and Steve Aoki’s receipt of millions of dollars in COVID relief funds had a significant impact on the music industry as a whole. It brought to light the disparities in how relief funds were distributed and the challenges faced by smaller artists and businesses in accessing much-needed financial support during the pandemic.

Many artists and industry professionals called for greater transparency and accountability in how relief funds were allocated to ensure that those who truly needed assistance were able to access it. The controversy also led to discussions about the ethics of wealthy individuals and businesses taking advantage of government aid intended for those in need.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Marshmello and Steve Aoki’s receipt of COVID relief funds served as a wake-up call for the music industry and highlighted the need for greater scrutiny and oversight in the distribution of government assistance. It underscored the importance of ensuring that relief funds are allocated equitably and used for their intended purpose of supporting those most in need during times of crisis.

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