Donald Trump Jr. has paid back Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev, who partially funded his lavish, private-island wedding in May, according to Mr. Kremlev.
“He did repay the money I spent on the present,” Mr. Kremlev said at an International Boxing Association press conference in Istanbul on Tuesday, adding that he felt the repayment was unnecessary.
Mr. Kremlev, president of the association, bankrolled at least $170,000 in wedding expenses, including renting one of two private islands in the Bahamas where the festivities were held, paying for a fireworks show and having his team plan the event, ProPublica reported.
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After news circulated that the Russian tycoon — an ally of President Vladimir Putin — had helped pay for the president’s eldest son’s wedding, critics raised concerns about foreign influence and access, questioning why a high-ranking Russian would do this.
“Frankly speaking, I do not understand why he decided to do so,” Mr. Kremlev said. “There are all kinds of events organized by all kinds of people. It is as if I invite you to come and visit my country house. Would you expect me to issue an invoice to them afterward?”
Forbes has estimated the net worth of the president’s son at $300 million. He has acknowledged friendship with Mr. Kremlev and the Trump family has long been involved with various sports promotions.
President Trump, who did not attend the wedding, told reporters that the money had been paid back.
“It’s totally allowed,” he said. “But, as I understand it, he paid them back.”
The three-day celebration between Mr. Trump Jr. and socialite Bettina Anderson included 18 guests at the ceremony and 50 people at the reception.
Mr. Kremlev said he did not attend the nuptials but joined other festivities with mutual friends.
The newlywed Mrs. Trump said on social media that she and her husband got married “privately” while surrounded “ONLY by our family.”
She called Mr. Kremlev a “dear friend” who “very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding.”
The couple had their first dance on one private island, which can be rented for about $100,000 a night and was paid for by Mr. Kremlev, according to ProPublica.
He also paid for a fireworks display by a company that charges about $70,000 for such shows, ProPublica reported.
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