Lauryn Hill is currently facing a lawsuit filed by her former Fugees bandmate, Pras Michél, alleging breach of contract and fraud. The lawsuit, which was filed in New York on Monday, accuses Hill of mishandling the budget for the band’s 2023 comeback tour, resulting in significant financial losses. According to the lawsuit, Hill’s management of the tour finances led to a budget that was “so bloated with unnecessary and, most likely, fictitious expenses” that it appeared to be designed to lose money.
Pras Michél, one of the founding members of the iconic hip-hop group, claims that the tour was poised to be a commercial success, with most arena-sized shows sold out in advance. However, he walked away from the venture with no financial gain, which he attributes to Hill’s “narcissistic tendencies” and “arrogance.” Michél’s accusations paint a picture of strained relations behind the scenes, fueled by what he describes as Hill’s erratic behavior during the tour planning and execution.
In response to the allegations, Lauryn Hill issued a public statement, vehemently denying the claims made by Michél. She referred to the lawsuit as baseless and full of false claims and unwarranted attacks. Hill suggested that the legal action was unfounded and aimed at undermining her reputation.
The lawsuit goes further, accusing Hill of turning down a $5 million offer to perform at the prestigious Coachella festival without informing Michél of the opportunity. The offer, according to Michél, was rejected because the Fugees were not slated to be headliners. This decision, Michél argues, deprived the group of a lucrative payday, further straining their professional relationship.
One of Michél’s longstanding grievances also appears in the lawsuit—Hill’s chronic tardiness at performances. Throughout her career, Hill has gained a reputation for being late to concerts, which has caused frustration among both fans and fellow artists alike. Michél highlighted this behavior in his lawsuit, suggesting it was yet another example of Hill’s lack of professionalism.
Michél was indeed found guilty in 2023 of illegal lobbying, stemming from his involvement in a scheme orchestrated by Malaysian financier Jho Low. US prosecutors revealed that Michél had received over $100 million from Low to assist in efforts to influence U.S. politics. This conviction placed Michél in a precarious financial and legal position, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal dispute with Hill.
Lauryn Hill also addressed this aspect of the situation in her statement, noting that Michél’s lawsuit conveniently omits the fact that he had been given a $3 million advance to cover his legal fees ahead of the tour. She further claimed that Michél has yet to repay several substantial loans that she personally extended to him as an “act of goodwill.”
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Hill and the Fugees are set to perform several UK shows, including a highly anticipated performance at London’s O2 Arena. However, Michél’s legal team has confirmed that he will not be participating in these concerts. His decision to step away from the upcoming performances raises questions about the future of the group and whether they can overcome the internal conflicts that have plagued them for years.
The Fugees, formed in New Jersey in 1990, became one of the most influential hip-hop groups of the 1990s, with hit singles like “Ready or Not” and their rendition of “Killing Me Softly.” Their legacy has been marked by both tremendous success and personal turmoil, and this latest lawsuit only adds to the complicated history of the group. Whether this legal dispute will permanently damage Hill and Michél’s relationship, or if they will find a way to reconcile, remains to be seen.
