Yasmin Rufo
BBC News
Lauryn Hill, co-founder of the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees, is facing a lawsuit filed by her former bandmate, Pras Michél, accusing her of breach of contract and fraud. The lawsuit, submitted in New York on Monday, claims that Hill mismanaged the budget for the band’s 2023 comeback tour, inflating expenses with “unnecessary and likely fictitious” costs, which ultimately made the tour appear designed to lose money.
Michél alleges that the tour, which had many of its shows sold out in advance, was destined for success, but his earnings were wiped out due to Hill’s “narcissism” and “arrogance.” In a statement, Hill has strongly rejected the allegations, calling the lawsuit “baseless” and accusing Michél of making “false claims and unwarranted attacks.”
The lawsuit also asserts that Hill turned down a $5 million (£3.8 million) offer to perform at Coachella without informing Michél, due to the Fugees not being the headlining act. Additionally, Michél criticized Hill’s “chronic tardiness” during performances.
Hill responded by stating that she continued with the tour despite the challenges, understanding that Michél’s legal troubles might have impacted his judgment. She explained that the tour, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her acclaimed album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, was planned regardless of whether the Fugees participated. The decision to include the group was made after learning of Michél’s legal issues, which she believed required financial assistance for his defense.
In 2023, Michél was convicted of illegal lobbying charges after receiving over $100 million (£80 million) from Malaysian financier Jho Low to influence U.S. politics. Hill’s statement also noted that Michél had been advanced $3 million (£2.3 million) from the tour to cover his legal fees, but he has yet to repay substantial loans she claims to have given him out of goodwill.
Hill and the Fugees are set to perform three shows in the UK, including a night at the O2 Arena in London. However, Michél’s lawyer has stated that he will not participate in these performances.
