Media and communications consultant, Clyde McKenzie, says Shaggy’s wholesome image will survive the unfortunate fiasco surrounding his foundation and funds raised for the Bustamante Hospital For Children.

It was reported two weeks ago that the hospital is yet to benefit from funds from the charity concert Shaggy and Friends held in 2018. With speculation about misappropriation of funds circulating, Shaggy was even called into a meeting with the Disney company following his live performance of Sebastian in their The Little Mermaid Live production, where he had to give account of what happened.

During a press conference last Monday, Shaggy revealed that it was all a misunderstanding. McKenzie believes that while it might have caused a small pinch it is not a major blow to the Grammy winner’s image.

“Maybe it may cause damage but that’s for people who don’t know. All you have to do is check the record. Shaggy is well-known for his generosity, that’s what people across the world knows him for. This is not a case where he was called on to explain what happen and he couldn’t do so. He was able to go through exactly what happened and show the procedure,” McKenzie reasoned.

However, he conceded that Shaggy “could have been seriously jeopardised by this”.

Shaggy (given name Orville Burrel) has disclosed that Shaggy And Friends 2020 has been cancelled. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, he revealed that this was a result of hectic touring and rehearsals for his role in The Little Mermaid Live, which aired on American network television on November 5.

The event’s last staging raised a handsome $100 million through donations and ticket sales. McKenzie does not think the recent fracas will deter potential sponsors and donors.

“Shaggy has done well in terms of delivering on the promises that he made to the hospital,” he said. “It is not a case where he did not give them the money but a misunderstanding, where they thought they would have been given the cash. But, the policy of the foundation is that they make the purchases.”

Previous sponsors of Shaggy And Friends include Scotiabank, WATA, Jamaica Observer, Lasco, Flow, Red Stripe, Pizza Hut, Appleton Estate and Guardian Life. Donors include pop stars Sting and Wyclef Jean.