Haiti-born Jean has been on the forefront of celebrities raising funds and supplies for Haiti residents in the wake of the country’s devastating earthquake, urging people to text the word “Yele” to 501501, which results in a $5 donation to the Wyclef Jean foundation, also known as the Yele Haiti.

But while Jean said the money would fund a FedEx transport plane loaded with medical supplies, water and Clif Bars to earthquake victims, an Associated Press review of tax returns and independent audits indicated the charity’s accounting is deeply entwined with the artist’s own businesses.

Adding to the controversy was last week’s document posting on The Smoking Gun indicating the foundation paid Jean at least $410,000 in rent and production services. The posting also revealed the 11-year-old charity organization hadn’t filed a tax return until August 2009.

In defending his organization, Jean questioned the timing of the news reports.

“It is impossible for me to even comprehend the recent attacks on my character and the integrity of my foundation,” Jean said. “The fact that these attacks come as we are mobilized to meet the greatest human tragedy in the history of Haiti only serves to perplex me even further.”

The artist posted a video on YouTube defending the organization.

Jean said he has never personally profited from his work through the organization, which so far has raised more than $2 million for Haiti’s earthquake victims.

For more information, click here to read the original Associated Press report posted on Pollstar.com and here for The Smoking Gun’s posting.