Big Freedia speaks out Section 8 fraud charge: ‘I take full responsibility’
On Tuesday, rapper Big Freedia was charged in court with felony theft of government funds for lying about her income in order to get Section 8 vouchers for subsidized housing.
On Tuesday, rapper Big Freedia was charged in court with felony theft of government funds for lying about her income in order to get Section 8 vouchers for subsidized housing.
That evening, Big Freedia released a statement owning up to the charges, which allowed her to get $34,000 worth of vouchers despite having an income above the federal subsidized housing limit.
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“This is an incredibly unfortunate situation,” Freedia said in an emailed statement. “I was on subsidized housing for many years before my financial situation changed. I quickly found myself in a new economic structure and, frankly, knew little about how to handle my money. It wasn’t until recently (after I had stopped receiving housing vouchers) that it became very clear I had received assistance to which I wasn’t entitled. It was an oversight – but one that I take full responsibility for.”
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“Housing vouchers are a vital lifeline for many people I know in New Orleans and around the country, including struggling artists,” Freedia continued. “I truly believe there needs to be more programs for artists and musicians to teach basic financial literacy and planning. Coming from where I came from, I know that I could have used that kind of assistance. I’m exploring ways to be a part of the solution in this area and am looking forward to putting this matter behind me.”
