Charity releases statement on Jacob Fatu payment issue, says they are addressing it privately

A charity that accused Jacob Fatu of not returning a payment after no-showing a fundraiser has released a new statement on the matter.

Jenn Harper, the Director of Development for non-profit Jake’s Network of Hope in Wisconsin, released a statement to Sports Illustrated saying that they were working with Fatu to resolve the issue privately.

“Jacob Fatu and our organization are addressing this matter privately, beginning with a phone call and heartfelt apology back in May,” Harper said. “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.”

Back in 2023, Fatu received payment from Jake’s Network of Hope to appear at a pro wrestling fundraiser. He ended up canceling before the event, citing a family emergency. The non-profit asked Fatu to return the $2,633 that he had been paid, which never happened.

“After that, he ghosted us, he ghosted the production team that puts together the wrestling show, and he ghosted the person that booked him for us,” Harper told NBC 26 at the time.

Fatu made his WWE debut back in June, aligning himself with Solo Sikoa and a new version of the Bloodline along with himself, Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa. At Crown Jewel he, Sikoa, and Tonga defeated Roman Reigns and The Usos in a six-man tag team match.