Double world record holder and former Jamaican sprint ace, Usain Bolt, has dispelled rumours that an alleged multi-billion-dollar fraud at Stocks and Securities Ltd (SSL) has left him broke.
The superstar spoke to the media at the end of a sponsors’ luncheon for the February Gibson McCook Relays at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel where he was the guest speaker.
During the speech, Bolt spoke of having a rough time, but felt honouring his promises more important than whatever he was going through.
“I made a promise to Gibson Relays that I would be here and I’m the person that always comes through,” Bolt said.
Afterwards, Bolt painted a more solemn, more complicated figure as he faced the media.
The only time the 6’4” eight-time Olympic gold medallist smiled, was when he was asked to respond to questions about his current financial standing.
“No, I’m not broke,” Bolt laughed.
“But it has definitely put a damper on me. This was for my future. Everybody knows I have three kids. I’m still looking after my parents, and I still want to live very well,” he said, more seriously.
Bolt has found himself in the middle of the saga at SSL where it is alleged he was fleeced of more than US$12 million.
Bolt’s lawyers had since given the SSL until today to return the missing money or else face a lawsuit.
Bolt also commented on the status of any pending legal action, saying he has left it in the hands of his lawyers and was waiting like everybody else.
