Happy Birthday Wyclef Jean!

 **Cross your eyes to unlock the 3-D magic!**

Photos by Diabolik

Happy Birthday Wyclef Jean!

EXCLUSIVE!! Wyclef Jean in downtown Los Angeles, CA, July 13, 2009.

 

One of my earliest triumphs as a paparazzo was making a connection with Wyclef Jean in the first months on the job.

 

Waaaay back in the before times, Twitter was actually a fun app where celebrities could connect with their fans, and some took it to the next level. In June 2009, Wyclef reached out to his fans, wanting to create a group of activists who could be activated in times of need. I was just starting out as a paparazzo and red carpet photog.

He invited interested fans to a secret meet-up at IHOP in Hollywood, and about 15 of us showed up. I was thrilled that the meet-up was conveniently happening in my part of town. Wyclef bought everyone breakfast, and discussed the importance of activism and getting involved in your community. It was a great time, and quite inspiring. He even gave out his personal phone number to everyone at the meeting. He called the group Wyclef's Warriors!

 

First meeting of Wyclef's Warriors, IHOP Hollywood, June 29, 2009.

 

Two weeks later, Wyclef was in downtown Los Angeles, and I was able to run down there and catch him. He also invited me to come hang out backstage with him at the ESPY Awards, which was quite surreal. 

 

After a while, I had to go cover the red carpet, and on the way out, ran into Samuel L. Jackson in the hallway, who was hosting the program.

I asked if I could take a photo, and he responded, "That's what you're here for, ain't it?"