Lauryn Hill has fired back after her former Fugees bandmate Pras Michel sued her, accusing her of fraud and mismanagement. The legal dispute comes after a series of tour complications, including the premature end of the Fugees’ 2023 tour and the cancellation of the Miseducation Anniversary Tour. Pras is seeking compensation and has alleged that Lauryn acted in bad faith throughout their collaboration, leading to financial losses.
The lawsuit, as reported by Variety, accuses that Lauryn “grossly mismanaged the setup, marketing, and budgeting” of the 2023 tour. Pras claims the tour, which he believes could have been a major commercial success, was instead a disaster due to Lauryn’s mishandling. He suggests that Lauryn’s actions were “a veiled and devious attempt to make a big score for herself,” alleging she siphoned off tour earnings and kept him in the dark about the budget.
Pras states in the lawsuit that despite the majority of the tour’s shows being sold out, he was left “empty-handed.” He claims Lauryn inflated the tour’s budget with “unnecessary and most likely fictitious” expenses, making it appear as if the tour was losing money. His frustration grew when Lauryn abruptly canceled the second half of the tour, citing vocal strain as the reason.
Adding fuel to the fire, Pras alleges that Lauryn rejected a lucrative offer for the Fugees to perform at Coachella. According to the lawsuit, Lauryn turned down a $5 million deal simply because the group No Doubt was billed higher on the lineup. Pras claims Lauryn didn’t inform him of the offer or her decision to decline, leaving him out of the loop until it was too late. The lawsuit accuses her of acting out of “ego” and bruised pride, which ultimately cost the group a significant payday.
In what Pras describes as a further insult, Lauryn allegedly asked him later if he would perform a few Fugees songs for free as an opening act for her son, YG Marley, at the same Coachella event. This request, according to the lawsuit, was another example of her “astonishing display of hubris.”
Lauryn Hill, however, isn’t staying silent. Through her attorney, Howard King, she has fired back, calling the lawsuit “desperate and unfortunate” and stating it is “packed with lies and intentionally disparaging remarks.” King’s statement asserts that Pras is being ungrateful, especially considering Lauryn’s alleged financial support during his legal battles.
“It is particularly disappointing that the suit fails to reveal that Pras was grossly over-advanced for the last tour to help him pay his mounting legal bills,” King said. He added that Lauryn went out of her way to assist Pras financially, and the lawsuit’s omission of this fact is “disheartening.” King also made it clear that Lauryn intends to fight the lawsuit aggressively, stating, “This action will be aggressively defended and defeated.”
The tension between the two former Fugees members marks a stark contrast to their celebrated musical collaboration in the past. As key members of the Fugees, Lauryn Hill, Pras Michel, and Wyclef Jean were behind some of the most iconic hits of the 1990s, including their legendary album The Score. The trio’s chemistry and collective talent made them one of the most influential hip-hop groups of their time. However, behind-the-scenes tensions have often marred their relationship, with previous reports of discord, especially between Lauryn and Wyclef.
As for Pras, the lawsuit comes amid his own personal legal troubles. Earlier this year, he was convicted on multiple charges related to political campaign finance violations and conspiracy. Facing the pressure of these legal battles, Pras’s financial situation has reportedly been precarious, which could explain the intensity of the claims in his lawsuit against Lauryn.
Fans of the Fugees have long hoped for a full reunion, but with this lawsuit unfolding, it seems increasingly unlikely that the iconic group will return to the stage together anytime soon.
Below is Lauryn Hill‘s full statement in response to the lawsuit:
Some clarity and facts need to be presented. I’ve been silent and pushing through because I understood that Pras was under duress because of his legal battles and that this was perhaps affecting his judgment, state of mind and character.
Fact #1: This baseless lawsuit by Pras is full of false claims and unwarranted attacks. It notably omits that he was advanced overpayment for the last tour and has failed to repay substantial loans extended by myself as an act of goodwill. Last year’s tour was put together to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. It was being planned whether the Fugees were involved or not.
Fact #2: The tour was expanded to incorporate the Fugees because I found out that Pras was in trouble and would need money to aid his legal defense.
Fact #3: Pras was given a $3M advance for the tour, which he said he required to pay his legal fees. Wyclef and Myself deferred our full advances to make sure he had what he needed and was able to go. I covered most of the tour expenses, as the majority of the tour advance had gone to Pras. An agreement was put in place to secure the repayment of the money he was advanced. Pras has not paid back the money he was advanced, and is currently in breach of this agreement.
Fact #4: Because my tour, band, production, and set up were already happening, the Fugees set utilized this same production. I absorbed most of the expenses myself, produced the show, put together the entire set (with Wyclef’s participation for the Fugees and Wyclef’s set). Pras basically just had to show up and perform.
Fact #5: As of the last tour Pras thanked me for ‘saving his life’. (I have the receipts.)
Fact #6: I am not in the business of kicking anyone, especially when they’re down, which is why I haven’t responded to date. It is absolutely disheartening to see Pras in this position, my band mate and someone I considered a friend but this leads us to Fact #7, which probably should have been Fact #1…
Fact #7: I was not in Pras’ life when he decided to make the unfortunate decision that lead to his current legal troubles. I did not advise that he make that decision and therefore am in no way responsible for his decision and its consequences though I have taken it upon myself to help. Despite his attacks, I am still compassionate and hope things work out for him.
Respectfully, MLH
