MTV is denying claims that Kanye West was banned from the Hope for Haiti telethon tonight.
 
Rumors that he specifically was not invited to take part in the show began swirling recently. After his scene at last year’s VMAs and his outburst during a telethon for Hurrican Katrina (remember Mike Myers’ face when he blurted out, “George Bush does not care about Black people?”), many were inclined to believe the hearsay.




 
“That’s absolutely not true. We DID reach out to Kanye,” a rep for MTV told UsMagazine.com. 



 
So, there you have it: Even though Kanye won’t be appearing on Friday’s fundraiser, it’s not for lack of an invite. Denzel Washington, Chris Rock, Halle Berry and Will Smith, however, will be on hand to host the telethon tonight. Wyclef Jean (of course), Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Christina Augilera, Taylor Swift and Bono are all set to perform.
 
The telethon, starting tonight at 8 p.m. EST, will run on host of networks, including Comedy Central, PBS, Bravo and E! But you don’t have to wait that long to start giving. Hope for Haiti is already accepting donations online at HopeForHaitiNow.org or by phone at (877) 99-HAITI. You can also offer support by texting or  “GIVE” to 50555.
 
For more ways to help Haiti, see our list of trusted charities and benefits here.


-- Sonya Eskridge

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