Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee has been officially cleared of any legal or ethical violations following an independent investigation into his role in bringing Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out live show to the city last year.
According to Fox40, the investigation by Hanson Bridgett LLP concluded that Lee did not violate state law, the city charter, or misuse public funds in connection with the May 24, 2025, event at Adventist Health Arena.
The inquiry was commissioned after allegations surfaced in August that Lee had improperly influenced city staff and used a $50,000 city risk-mitigation fund to prevent the show from being canceled.
Wild ‘N Out, the long-running improv comedy and battle rap series created and hosted by Cannon, was brought to Stockton through Lee’s connections in entertainment. Lee also appeared during the event, but has consistently said he was not paid and was not involved in approving city funds.
According to the law firm’s findings, no councilmember held a prohibited financial interest tied to the event, and there was no violation of conflict-of-interest laws or ethics rules. Hanson Bridgett LLP stated that Lee had no improper financial stake and did not exert undue influence over city processes.
“The facts show that any personal interest was likely aligned with City interest,” the firm wrote, adding that, at most, the situation reflected “a possible lack of awareness of the need to consider ethical standards even when one’s personal interests are aligned with official duties.”
The investigation itself became a flashpoint at City Hall. In December, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi moved to expand the scope of the inquiry, which passed by a narrow 4–3 vote. Lee voted against the investigation, along with councilmembers Michael Blower and Mario Enriquez, while Fugazi, Michele Padilla, Mariela Ponce, and Brando Villapudua supported it.
After the findings were released, Lee criticized the process and the cost to taxpayers.
“I welcomed transparency and an independent review because I knew the facts mattered,” Lee said in a statement. “Unfortunately, Stockton taxpayers were forced to spend more than $50,000 to reach the same conclusion that was clear from the start—there was no wrongdoing.”
Fugazi, meanwhile, acknowledged the findings but emphasized expectations beyond legal compliance. “As elected officials, we need to be beyond reproach,” she said, noting that the investigation provided clarity moving forward.
The Stockton City Council is scheduled to formally discuss the investigation’s conclusion at its upcoming meeting on January 13, where the report will be entered into the public record and debated by councilmembers.