President Trump Commutes Sentence of Ozy Media Founder Carlos Watson

President Donald Trump commuted the criminal fraud sentence of Ozy Media founder Carlos Watson, who was about to serve a 116-month prison term. Watson was convicted of securities fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Ozy Media was ordered to pay almost $60 million in forfeiture and over $36 million in restitution. The commutation was done just as Watson was due to begin his sentence.

Ozy Media Fraud Case

Ozy Media and founder Carlos Watson convicted of fraud for lying to investors about company's finances and sham deals with Google and Oprah Winfrey. Company falsified information, fabricated contracts, and inflated earnings projections. Watson pleaded not guilty but former deputies testified against him. Ozy imploded in 2021 after news reports questioned audience numbers and revealed executive impersonated YouTube executive during call with Goldman Sachs bankers.

Ozy Media Fraud Scandal

Ozy Media CEO Carlos Watson was found guilty in a fraud scheme, facing up to 37 years in jail. The company, funded by left-wing billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs, shut down after a scandal involving impersonation of executives and falsification of financial results. Watson, along with COO Samir Rao, engaged in deceptive practices to secure investment dollars.