Sean Penn queries Wyclef Jean’s motives in Haiti

The Hollywood actor Sean Penn has poured cold water on Wyclef Jean's bid to become President of Haiti. Penn, who is estimated to have spent more time in Haiti than any of the other US celebrities who responded to the January 12 earthquake, told CNN that the New York hip hop artist has been a "non-presence" in Haiti during the efforts to rebuild the country.

He acknowledged that Jean, who was born in Port-au-Prince but left Haiti for the States at the age of nine, was an "important voice" in Haiti. But he questioned the musician's motives for standing for the presidency.

"He has been virtually silent for those of us in Haiti, he has been a non-presence," said Penn, who has been running a vast camp for homeless earthquake victims through the charity he co-founded.

Penn also raised again the controversy surrounding Wyclef Jean's receipt of more than $400,000 in expenses from his Yele Haiti Foundation. Earlier this year, Jean was accused of misusing charity funds following publication of a 2006 tax return. Jean argued that the money was legitimately spent on expenses for further fund-raising performances.

But Penn claims the matter of the $400,000 still "has to be looked into". He said: "I know what $400,000 could do for these people's lives and for a 24-year-old girl right now who is dying.

"So, I want to see someone [running for president] who is really, really willing to sacrifice for their country and not just someone who I personally saw with a vulgar entourage of vehicles that demonstrated a wealth in Haiti that, in context, I felt a very obscene demonstration."

Following an interview this week in which Jean made it clear he planned to run for president, he formally registered for the election in Haiti last night. "It's a moment in time and in history," Jean said. "It's very emotional." ·