LOS ANGELES - Haitian-born rapper Wyclef Jean is speaking out in defence of his charitable foundation that is raising money for earthquake victims.

Jean issued a statement yesterday condemning recent criticism of The Wyclef Jean Foundation Inc.

A day earlier, groups that vet charities raised doubts about the organization's accounting practices.

The Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance is not recommending Jean's group and suggests money be donated to relief organizations with more experience in handling disasters.

Jean says he cannot comprehend why the integrity of his foundation was called into question.

He says he has never profited personally through his work with the organization, which is also known as Yele Haiti.