Pras Michel, a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. The ruling, handed down Thursday (Nov. 20), follows his conviction on multiple federal charges tied to illegal foreign lobbying, conspiracy, and acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
According to Billboard, the case centers on Michel’s involvement with Malaysian financier Jho Low—known globally for the massive 1MDB fraud scandal. Prosecutors accused Michel of helping Low funnel millions of dollars into U.S. political circles, including contributions to Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign.
Michel was also convicted of attempting to influence U.S. government investigations into Low. Prosecutors described his actions as deliberate and dangerous, claiming the scheme “undermined the integrity of the political system.”
Pras’ Team Responds
Following the sentencing, Michel’s spokesperson Erica Dumas issued a public statement, telling Billboard:
“Pras has spent his career breaking barriers and defying expectations. While today marks a difficult moment, it is not the end of his story. He is profoundly grateful for the continued support of those who believe in him.”
Michel’s legal team maintains that he was misled and did not fully understand the complexities of political lobbying, insisting they will appeal the conviction in hopes of reducing the sentence.
Impact on the Fugees Legacy
The sentencing adds another painful chapter to the history of The Fugees. Just last year, fans were anticipating a reunion tour featuring Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras. The highly anticipated tour was abruptly canceled days before launch, with Pras later pointing to Hill’s “reputation” as a contributing factor—though his ongoing legal issues likely played a role as well.
For now, the 51-year-old rapper faces more than a decade behind bars, marking one of the most significant legal downfalls in recent music history. The appeals process is expected to begin soon.
