Fugees Rapper Pras Sues Lauryn Hill for Fraud Over Shortened Reunion Tour

Fugees rapper Pras Michel has filed a lawsuit against his bandmate Lauryn Hill, alleging fraud and financial exploitation during the group’s shortened 2023 reunion tour. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims that Hill took advantage of Michel’s criminal conviction to force unfair contract terms on him.

The tour was meant to celebrate the anniversary of Hill’s iconic album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” and feature a reunion of the Fugees, known for hits like “Ready or Not” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” However, Michel alleges that Hill sabotaged the tour by showing up late and insisting on top billing, despite the tour’s true draw being the Fugees reunion.

Hill has responded to the lawsuit, calling it “baseless” and denying the allegations. She claims that Michel was advanced overpayment for the tour and failed to repay substantial loans she extended to him. Hill also stated that the tour was initially planned as a solo celebration of her album, with the Fugees added later to help Michel financially.

Michel’s attorney has accused Hill of concealing financial information and taking an excessive share of the tour’s proceeds, leaving Michel with only 20% instead of the customary one-third split. The lawsuit also alleges that Hill rejected a $5 million offer for the Fugees to perform at Coachella because another band would receive higher billing.

The lawsuit seeks to void the tour contract, order an accounting of finances, and determine both actual and punitive damages at trial. With both parties standing firm in their positions, the legal battle between Pras Michel and Lauryn Hill is set to unfold in court.