Wyclef Jean Rips Donald Trump's 'Crazy Talk' About Pet-Eating Haitians, Says Vote Based On 'Facts'
Wyclef Jean has spoken out against Donald Trump's derogatory comments about Haitians supposedly eating household pets.
Jean is distancing his fellow Haitians from the accusations, saying that they are "good neighbors and good people."
The Grammy-winning artist Wyclef Jean has always taken a lead role in advancing causes that benefit his people.
Wyclef Jean Responds To Donald Trump's Claims About Haitians
The "Ready or Not" singer has shared a scathing critique of Trump's divisive rhetoric about Haitians.
During a recently held debate with his Democratic party opponent Kamala Harris, the former president alleged that the left is allowing towns like Springfield, Ohio, to get swamped with illegal Haitian immigrants, who were allegedly eating wild animals.
The claims, now a debunked conspiracy theory, suggested that Haitian residents of Springfield were eating animals, with Trump's son, Donald Jr., spreading the rumor on social media.
However, with a message of unity and reason, Jean is calling on voters to look beyond the noise and focus on substantive policy issues rather than getting caught up in inflammatory language.
"I will be forever grateful for my family's life, for having a fair chance to live what is called the 'American Dream,'" he told TMZ.
"One of our greatest assets in America is that we are a country of immigrants," he continued. "I speak from the heart when I say, Haitian people living in the U.S. are good neighbors and good people. We care about humanity. We care about our neighbors."
Wyclef Jean Says Vote Based On 'Policies' Not 'Crazy Talk'
The "Perfect Gentleman" singer went further to advocate for respect towards other cultures and tribes, emphasizing that Haitians are peace-loving people.
"On behalf of Haitian Americans, I ask that we stop these racist messages and accusations," Jean noted. "Put our hands out in peace and say thanks for being my neighbor."
"We need to respect one another and vote based on policies and facts, not crazy talk. And we need to shake hands with one another and be thankful we are part of an America for all," he added.
Kamala Harris Branded Donald Trump's Claims During The Debate 'Extreme'
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During his debate with Harris, Trump shocked millions when he brought up the alleged eating of cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio, by Haitians.
The billionaire politician claimed that the town was being overrun by immigrants who were inconveniencing the residents, further bolstering his anti-immigrant rhetoric.
"They're eating the dogs. They're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump said.
Responding to the ex-president's claim, his opponent, Harris, simply chuckled at him and said, "Talk about extreme."
J.D. Vance Said The Rumors About Pet-Eating Haitians Could 'Turn Out To Be False'
Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance, was among the voices who raised the false alarm about pet-eating Haitians in Springfield.
The senator claimed on social media that his office "received many inquiries" about Haitian migrants abducting people's pets.
According to AP News, Vance later noted that it was possible "all of these rumors will turn out to be false."
Following Trump's wild claims, social media became flooded with memes and posts mocking the Republican presidential nominee for his performance during the debate.
Wyclef Jean Is Known For Advocating For Haitian Causes
The 54-year-old singer is known for championing causes that concern Haitians and has been an ambassador for the country throughout his career.
Back in March, he was vocal in calling for the removal of Haitian interim prime minister Ariel Henry for negligence following increased violence in the country at the time.
He even sang a song dubbed "Ariel Gotta Go" and recently headlined the Haitian Day parade in New York City.
Jean also recently spoke about The Fugees reuniting to make a new album, their first in 28 years, saying it'll reflect the times and "will not be pretty."
The Fugees, comprising Jean, Lauryn Hill, and Pras, became a household name with their breakout 1996 album, "The Score."
"We just create tunes, things that are relevant to the time—we are going through a tough time, right? So I'm sure the music is not gonna be pretty," he told Ebony after performing at Carnival Village for the 70th St. John Carnival in St. John, one of three territories that comprise the U.S. Virgin Islands.