Stockton Launches Internal Investigation Into $50K Used for Jason Lee-Backed ‘Wild ‘N Out’ Event
STOCKTON, Calif. – A high-profile comedy event that brought celebrity energy to Stockton is now at the center of a growing political controversy.
On Monday, the Stockton city manager’s office confirmed the launch of an internal investigation into the use of $50,000 in public funds—money drawn from the city’s Risk Mitigation Fund—allegedly without proper authorization. The funds were used to help host Wild ‘N Out Live, a popular improv comedy show spearheaded by actor and entertainer Nick Cannon, and facilitated in part by Stockton’s Vice Mayor, Jason Lee.
According to City Manager Steve Colangelo, the $50,000 expenditure—reportedly approved at the direction of a sitting council member—did not follow the city’s standard administrative process. While Colangelo did not name Lee outright, multiple sources confirm the event was personally introduced and backed by Vice Mayor Jason Lee, a well-known media personality and social media influencer who joined the council after a wave of support from younger and more diverse voters.
In a public statement, Colangelo expressed concern that the line between policymaking and city administration may have been crossed, and that city staff were potentially put in an uncomfortable position as they worked to execute the event.
“Policy should be created and implemented through established administrative channels,” Colangelo said. “There must be clear boundaries to maintain trust and proper oversight.”
The Wild ‘N Out event, held on May 24 at Stockton Arena, was headlined by Nick Cannon and featured a series of celebrity guests. According to multiple attendees, the show was a major success, filling seats and injecting some much-needed vibrancy into the city’s entertainment landscape. But questions about how it was funded—and whether proper procedures were followed—have sparked concern among residents and political watchdogs alike.
Vice Mayor Lee, however, is pushing back hard on what he sees as unfair scrutiny. In a series of posts shared on social media this week, Lee defended the event and the city staff who helped bring it to life.
“Let’s be clear, Nick and the Wild ’N Out team came to Stockton as a favor to ME—to turn this city up and prove that we deserve world-class partnerships like Nick, Rip Michaels, and 5120 Entertainment,” Lee wrote on Instagram. “The attacks on our hardworking city staff for simply doing their jobs? Beyond disappointing.”
Lee, who has built a career by bridging entertainment and civic engagement, campaigned on a platform of revitalizing Stockton’s image and creating new opportunities for culture and economic development. His defenders say this event is proof of his commitment to that vision.
Still, critics argue that personal relationships and enthusiasm don’t excuse bypassing standard procedures—especially when public money is involved. The use of the Risk Mitigation Fund, typically earmarked for emergency citywide needs, has particularly raised eyebrows.
City officials have not yet confirmed whether any policies were officially violated, but the investigation is expected to include a review of all correspondence, spending approvals, and communications between Lee, event organizers, and city staff.
This isn’t the first time a public-private partnership involving celebrity connections has generated political blowback. But in a city like Stockton—recovering from bankruptcy, battling housing and crime issues, and attempting to redefine itself—every dollar, and every headline, counts.
For now, the city awaits the findings of the investigation. As for Jason Lee, he remains unapologetic about his mission to bring “world-class” attention to his hometown.
“No one said transformation would be easy,” he said. “But I’m here to make it happen—whatever the haters say.”