News

Wyclef Jean In Hospital

• 28th Sep 2010

The former Fugees singer was forced to abandon his bid to become President of Haiti last week, and was admitted to a hospital in New Jersey on Sunday (26.09.10) due to his exhaustion.

A statement released by his family read: “Wyclef Jean has had an extremely gruelling three months – truly an exhausting eight months, since the earthquake when he recommitted himself to our homeland and his passion for our people.

“He is currently suffering the effects of lack of sleep and stress, global travel, even the endless public eye, and has asked that his fans and supporters bear with him for the next several days as he regains his physical health and stamina. Then he will be back out in front of the crusade to rebuild Haiti and his pledge to make it even better for business.”

Wyclef’s representative, Marian Salzman confirmed he was in hospital, but said he expects the ‘Gone ‘Til November’ singer to be released this week and that he “plans to take it easy” afterward.

Wyclef’s bid to become president in November’s elections was rejected, and although reasons were not given, it is thought he does not meet constitutional requirements for candidacy – which include owning property in Haiti, always having held a Haitian passport, and having lived in the country for five consecutive years.

The 37-year-old musician only fulfilled this last requirement on a technicality, having lived in the country until he was nine.

Wyclef has played a very active role in the relief effort in the country since its capital, Port Au Prince, was hit by a massive earthquake in January leaving an estimated 230,000 people dead, 300,000 injured and over 1 million homeless.