As a long-time fan of the Fugees and Lauryn Hill, I’ve always admired their music for its raw emotion, social consciousness, and unparalleled talent. However, recent developments have left me feeling more like a spectator to a dramatic courtroom drama than a fan eagerly awaiting their next performance.
Prepared for whatever comes next, I’m stepping up as a gamer in this real-life scenario. The legal team is on the move, and it seems that Lauryn Hill might be hard to find or escape – borrowed lyrics aside. But let’s get back to the matter at hand: there’s some serious turbulence brewing within the Fugees camp. Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, one of the trio alongside Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill, has filed a lawsuit against Lauryn Hill and her MLH Touring company. The allegations include fraud, breach of contract, and more.
In a lawsuit brought before the Federal District Court in Manhattan, Pras alleges that Hill deceived fellow group members about the financial aspects of our tours, turned down a $5 million offer for a Coachella 2024 performance without informing the rest of the group, and attempted to seize control by assuming ownership of the Fugees’ entire business enterprise.
Despite being recognized as ’90s hip-hop royalty due to hits like “Ready or Not” and Lauryn Hill’s rise as a solo sensation with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which won five Grammys, including Album of the Year in 1999, their recent years have been marked by strife.
According to Pras’ lawsuit, when the band announced their initial set of reunion concerts for 2021 (later cancelled due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic), Hill attempted to seize control of the group’s finances and filed for ownership of the Fugees’ trademark without consulting the other band members. The lawsuit further alleges that when Hill received an advance payment for the Fugees’ 2024 tour in 2023, she kept 60% of it for herself and distributed the remaining 40% between Pras and Wyclef Jean, which contradicted the established and legally binding practice within the group that all earnings would be equally divided.
As a fan, I’d put it like this: Just like Pras himself admits, Hill imposed harsh conditions on our touring contracts during his time due to his precarious legal situation. This meant giving Hill and MLH Touring complete control over the tours. Fast forward to 2019, Pras found himself embroiled in a court case where he was indicted for being involved in a conspiracy aimed at violating campaign finance laws by illegally funneling millions of dollars from foreign sources into the 2012 presidential election. Unfortunately for him, he was convicted on those charges in 2023 and his plea for a retrial was turned down earlier this year.
Following the release of reports about Pras’ lawsuit, Hill released a detailed public announcement (the entire text is available below). Notably, Wyclef Jean does not appear as either plaintiff or defendant in this particular case.
It’s important to lay out some details and truths. I’ve chosen to stay quiet due to the understanding that Pras might have been influenced by his ongoing legal issues, which could potentially impact his decision-making abilities, mental state, and personality traits.
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 broadened to include the Fugees, as I discovered that Pras was facing legal troubles and required financial assistance for his defense.
As a gamer, here’s how I might rephrase that:
4th Fact: Since my tour, band, production, and setup were already in progress, we utilized the same production setup for The Fugees concert. I took on most of the costs myself, organized the entire event, designed the set (with Wyclef’s involvement for both The Fugees performance and Wyclef’s solo set). Essentially, Pras merely needed to appear and perform.
Fact #5: As of the last tour Pras thanked me for ‘saving his life’. (I have the receipts.)
Fact #6: I’ve never been about kicking people when they’re down, so I haven’t responded yet. It’s truly disappointing to see Pras in such a state, a fellow band member and someone I considered a friend. However, this brings us to Fact #7, which perhaps should have been presented first…
7: I wasn’t part of Pras’ life when he chose the regrettable path that landed him in legal issues. I didn’t encourage him to take that route, so I bear no responsibility for his decision and its repercussions. However, I have chosen to assist him. Despite his hostility, I continue to show empathy and wish nothing but the best for him as he navigates through this difficult time.
Respectfully, MLH
Later this year, Ms. Lauryn Hill along with The Fugees will embark on a European tour. Keep an eye out for further details as they become public.
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2024-10-01 22:56