London - Will.i.am has turned down charity work in the UK because he won't get paid.
The Black Eyed Peas musician snubbed the chance to become the ambassador of a £100 million low-interest loan scheme - launched by British Prime Minister David Cameron - as he would have to do it for free.
'The Voice' UK mentor had originally agreed to take on the role and was arranging to meet budding entrepreneurs from taxpayer-funded scheme startuploans.co.uk, but his US management then unexpectedly announced the fund "was not a good fit" and the star pulled out.
English entrepreneur James Caan - who also helped launch the scheme - has slammed the '#Power' hitmaker, claiming he is only in it for the money.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, a spokesman for James said: "Like in 'The Voice', Will sticks his hand over the button, then changes his mind. First he's interested, then his management asks if he's getting any money, then he's not interested."
Will.i.am's management in America admitted they had asked for payment in return for the singer's input, but insisted the money was only for the Prince's Trust charity in the UK - which helps disadvantaged youths, and teamed up with the star last year - rather than for Will himself. - Bang Showbiz