Hollywood actor Sean Penn has questioned the motives behind rapper Wyclef Jean's bid for the Haitian presidency.

The former Fugees star announced his intention to stand at an electoral council office in the capital Port-au-Prince on Thursday (August 5).

Declaring his bid “a moment in time and in history”, Jean was warmly received by onlookers.

But Penn has accused the rapper of being a “non presence” during efforts to rebuild Haiti following the devastating earthquake in January.

"He has been virtually silent for those of us in Haiti, he has been a non-presence," he told AFP, before accusing Jean of misusing money donated to his charity.

“I want to see someone who is really, really willing to sacrifice for their country and not just someone who I personally saw with a vulgar entourage of vehicles that demonstrated a wealth in Haiti that, in context, I felt a very obscene demonstration,” Penn said.

Jean will still need to prove his is eligible to run for president. Requirements include never having held foreign citizenship.

He is currently a US resident, but claims his role as ambassador for the country makes him eligible.

The presidential elections are due to take place in November.

(by Jason Gregory)