Pras Michel Sues Lauryn Hill Over Fugees Tour Fraud Claims

Pras Michel sued bandmate Lauryn Hill on Tuesday, alleging fraud and breach of contract in connection with the Fugees’ canceled reunion concert.

In his complaint filed in Manhattan’s Southern District, Michel claims Hill mismanaged the band’s finances and attempted to “usurp control” of its company and brand.Among his charges is that Hill turned down a $5 million deal for the 1990s New Jersey quartet, which includes Wyclef Jean, to perform at this year’s Coachella festival.

He also criticized Hill’s “chronic tardiness” at performances, claiming she canceled the second half of their 2023 reunion tour because she “financially penalized and defrauded” Michel.Ms. Hill took advantage of Mr. Michel’s delicate legal condition, pushing him into an unjust deal for The Fugees’ 2023 reunion tour, according to his lawyer.

Michel was convicted in 2023 of assisting in the transfer of funds from a billion-dollar Malaysian scheme into US politics.

His lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

Hill called the lawsuit “baseless” and “full of false claims and unwarranted attacks.”

“It notably omits that he was advanced an overpayment for the last tour and has failed to repay substantial loans extended by myself as an act of goodwill,” she said in a statement to AFP.

The lawsuit offers a portrait of intense infighting among members of The Fugees, a group beloved for their reggae-inflected hip hop, with hits including “Killing Me Softly” and “Fu-Gee-La.”

This fall Hill will begin touring in Europe as part of “Ms. Lauryn Hill & the Fugees.” Michel’s lawyer said he will not be participating in the shows.