Fugees Lauryn Hill Sued for Fraud, Breach of Contract by Pras Michel.
Lauryn Hill is facing a lawsuit for breach of contract and fraud from her former Fugees bandmate, Pras Michél. The lawsuit, which was submitted on Monday in New York, alleges that Hill mismanaged the budget for the band's 2023 reunion tour, resulting in excessive and likely fabricated expenses that appeared to be set up to incur losses.
Michél expressed that the tour was expected to be a major financial success, as most of the shows for the large arena tour were sold out ahead of time. However, he claims he ended up with nothing due to Hill's "narcissistic tendencies" and "arrogance." In response, Hill described the lawsuit as "baseless" and filled with "false claims and unwarranted attacks."
Additionally, the lawsuit states that Hill rejected a $5 million offer to perform at the Coachella festival without informing Michél, as the Fugees would not be the headliners. Michél also pointed out Hill's "chronic tardiness" for performances.
In her statement, Hill mentioned that she had been "pushing through" because she recognized that Pras was facing significant pressure due to his legal issues, which might have been impacting his judgment, mindset, and character. The tour last year was organized to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and it was initially planned regardless of the Fugees' involvement.
However, the tour was later expanded to include the Fugees after Hill learned that Pras was in a difficult situation and needed financial support for his legal defense. In 2023, Michél was found guilty of illegal lobbying, with US prosecutors alleging that he received over $100 million from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low to influence US politics.
Hill pointed out that Michél's lawsuit "notably omits" the fact that he had received an advance payment of $3 million from her for the last tour to help cover his legal expenses. She also claimed that he has yet to "repay substantial loans" she provided him as a gesture of goodwill.
Next week, Hill and the Fugees are scheduled to perform three shows in the UK, including one at the O2 arena in London. However, Michél's lawyer stated that he would not be taking part in the performances. The Fugees, formed in New Jersey in 1990 by Hill, Michél, and Wyclef Jean, are known for hits like Ready or Not and Killing Me Softly.
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