Charity Says They’re Privately Handling Issues With Jacob Fatu

UPDATED: Jake’s Network Of Hope has issued a statement on their issues with Jacob Fatu, noting that they are handling the matter privately. Jenn Harper, the Director of Development for the charity, issued a statement to Sports Illustrated as follows:

“Jacob Fatu and our organization are addressing this matter privately, beginning with a phone call and heartfelt apology back in May. While the full amount owed hasn’t yet been repaid, we appreciated Jacob’s acknowledgment. It can be tough to face up to your wrongdoings, and we commend him for taking steps toward confronting his.”

ORIGINAL: Last year, Jacob Fatu was accused of taking advances for bookings for independent events and then not showing up for his appearances. One event was Hits For Hopes, a charity event hosted by nonprofit organization Jake’s Network of Hope. The organization claimed at the time they spent $2,500 for Fatu’s appearance, including travel and hotel costs. The person who originally made the claims took to Reddit to give an update.

They said: “Hello I’m the one who originally posted about it. My wife worked for the non profit at the time, Jakes Network of Hope in Appleton/Neenah Wisconsin. No, unfortunately, he did not pay back the charity. He’s a fantastic in ring performer, and it sucks that this is all I can think about whenever l’ve seen him since he debuted in WWE.“