The Fugees Reunion Tour Was Canceled Due to Pras’ Alleged Involvement in Money Laundering Scheme
Photo Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Global Citizen
A new report from claims that The Fugees’ reunion tour was canceled because of Pras Michel’s alleged involvement in a money laundering scheme.
Fans of The Fugees are getting clarity regarding the group’s canceled reunion tour. According to a new report from Puck News, the COVID-19 outbreak wasn’t to blame, instead, group member Pras Michel had alleged involvement in the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
In 2019, Michel was indicted for working on behalf of Malaysian financier Jho Low, allegedly laundering money from Malaysian officials through the 2012 US presidential election. During former President Barack Obama‘s 2012 re-election campaign, Michel reportedly funneled money through the campaign using his renown influence. Allegedly paid $8 million upfront for his work with fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, Michel was accused of purposefully not registering under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The artist was also offered $75 million USD if he halted the Department of Justice’s investigation into the 1MDB scandal.
Upon Michel’s arrest, a deal required him to plead guilty to the obstruction of justice charge along with serving 16 months in prison. With Michel banned by the Justice Department from leaving the United States, canceling The Fugees 2022 reunion tour.
Michel’s attorney, David Kenner, has filed for charges to be dismissed.
“This case is following the trajectory of so many before it, where a case with multiple defendants features a lone black artist,” Kenner wrote earlier this month in a dismissal motion. “In this case, it works like this: the artist, who speaks for the poor and marginalized and who gives back to such communities in enormous ways, is the last man standing.”
On November 4, Michel is expected to appear in Washington D.C. court. If convicted, the artist faces up to 20 years in prison.
About Author
