Oprah-Connected Charities Took Almost $300K In Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Funding

Just a few day ago, I commented here on her looks when she interviewed the British royalty!

When rich celebrities game the system! Do you wonder why lower income people do the same when they can?

"Kanye West, Robert Redford, and Francis Ford Coppola weren’t the only entertainers with affiliated businesses or non-profits that reaped large Covid bailouts from Congress last year. ...
In April 2020, that same club [Oprah Winfrey Boys & Girls Club of Kosciusko/Attal County], named after one of the most well-known billionaires in the entire country, turned to the federal government to get a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan – backed by taxpayers – for $97,694. Furthermore, the Oprah unit of the Boys & Girls Club of East Mississippi —under whose umbrella the Oprah Winfrey Boys & Girls Club in Kosciusko falls— received a federal PPP loan in the amount of $193,366. ..."

Oprah-Connected Charities Took Almost $300K In Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Funding (behind paywall)

"The overall [PPP] subsidies are quite breathtaking.

Kanye West, who just declared for president and claims a net worth of $1.3 billion, took between $2 million and $5 million for his clothing and sneaker company, Yeezy LLC.

Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute received between $2 million and $5 million in lending. The non-profit’s latest IRS 990 lists $55.4 million in assets (FY2018).

Then, there is Francis Ford Coppola the legendary filmmaker of the Godfather and other movies.

Coppola is also a renowned wine maker and two of his affiliated companies received PPP funding including Francis Ford Coppola Presents LLC ($5 million to $10 million);and Niebaum Coppola Estate Winery, LP ($1 million - $2 million).

A spokesperson responded to our request for comment:

“Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Niebaum Coppola Estate Winery, LP applied for the PPP loans based on business necessity and are using the entirety of the loans on wages and benefits to save the employment of its wineries, hospitality, and restaurant workforce during these uncertain times.  ..." (Source)