Pras Michel files lawsuit against Lauryn Hill, claims financial exploitation during 2023 Fugees tour

Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees, has filed a lawsuit against Lauryn Hill and MLH Touring, Inc., alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and centers on disputes over the financial management of the 2023 Fugees reunion tour.

According to the lawsuit, Hill allegedly took advantage of Michel’s vulnerable legal situation, manipulating him into an unfavorable agreement for the tour. Robert S. Meloni, Michel’s attorney, issued a statement outlining the allegations. 

“We assert that Ms. Hill misrepresented critical financial information and concealed her intent to take an excessive 60% share of the tour’s proceeds, leaving Mr. Michel with only 20% instead of the group’s customary one-third split,” the statement read.

The complaint also accuses Hill of routinely showing up late to concerts, with shows starting two or more hours behind schedule. Hill is further alleged to have canceled the second half of the tour, financially penalizing Michel in the process. The lawsuit comes just as Hill and fellow Fugees member Wyclef Jean are about to embark on a European tour without Michel.

The Haitian Times previously reported on Michel’s ongoing legal challenges, including his high-profile trial where he was denied a retrial after being convicted on charges related to illegal lobbying activities for foreign governments. Michel, who has denied the charges, now faces up to 20 years in prison.

As the legal drama unfolds, Lauryn Hill has yet to comment publicly on the lawsuit. According to an AP News report, Hill’s representatives have disputed the claims, stating that “Lauryn Hill has always acted with integrity and transparency in her professional dealings.”

The Fugees, once a symbol of Haitian pride and global musical success, now face internal strife that has spilled into the courtroom, casting a shadow over their much-anticipated reunion tour.

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