Marshmello, Steve Aoki, and other artists reportedly misused pandemic relief grant money

Marshmello, Steve Aoki, and other artists were accused of pocketing millions of dollars that were awarded to them in the form of pandemic relief grant money, according to an investigation published earlier this week by Business Insider.

The pandemic relief program—called the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant—was intended to allocate funds to struggling independent venues and arts group throughout the pandemic. The investigation reports that Marshmello—lesser known as Christopher Comstock—received a $9.9 million grant. When the SBA (Small Business Administration) asked Marshmello’s business manager for proof of how the money was spent, his business manager stated that Comstock had pocketed it all.

Business Inside also stated that Steve Aoki’s loan-out company was awarded millions in grant money but when reporting its allocation, DJ Kid Millionaire Touring claimed it spent payroll and $1.9 million was used for officer pay. Steve Aoki is the company’s lone officer.

Neither artists has responded to the allegations at the time of writing.

Via: Business Insider

Featured image: Marshmello/Facebook

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