Beyonce Knowles and her husband Shawn Carter top Forbes Magazine's list of the highest paid celebrity couples! Blue Ivy's parents raked in an impressive $78 million dollars combined last year, according to the ABC report. The singer and rapper edged out last year's top couple, model Gisele Bundchen and athlete Tom Brady, by about $6 million dollars. Both Gisele and Bey made more than their equally famous husbands. The Carters' income spike includes proceeds from their musical recordings and live performances. They also earned cash from Jay-Z's ownership and investment deals with Carol's Daughter and the New York Nets.
Harry Belafonte is not impressed with the super couple's wealth, however. The legendary singer told The Hollywood Reporter that he is disappointed in "high-profile artists" and "powerful celebrities." At 85-years-old, the Calypso King has seen the positive effect of activism on world change. Of the current generation Belafonte grouses, "They have turned their back on social responsibility. That goes for Jay-Z and Beyonce, for example. Give me Bruce Springsteen and now you're talking."
Ironically, Belafonte's beef comes as Beyonce uses her iconic status to celebrate humanitarian aid workers at United Nations. To that end, Mrs. Carter did not allow Mr. Belafonte's statements to go unchallenged. Her team released a list of her charitable works.
Beyonce is a key part of First Lady Michelle Obama's anti-obesity campaign. The megastar also donated $100,000 to the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund in 2008. In addition, she performed for "MTV's Hope For Haiti Now!" If that's not enough for Harry, Bey is the World Humanitarian Day ambassador.
Don't look for KimYe on the list this year. Although Kim Kardashian and boyfriend Kanye West are both power earners, the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star is still officially married to Kris Humphries.
What do you think? Do wealthy celebs have a social responsibility to give back?
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