Lauryn Hill Faces Legal Battle: Pras Michel Sues Over Fugees Tour Collapse
Lauryn Hill, a key member of the legendary hip-hop group Fugees, is facing a lawsuit from fellow bandmate Pras Michel related to their failed 2023 reunion tour. Filed in the Southern District of New York, the suit accuses Hill of fraud and breach of contract.
Key Allegations
Mismanagement: Michel claims Hill poorly handled the tour’s organization, promotion, and budgeting. He alleges that the tour’s budget was inflated with unnecessary or possibly fabricated expenses.
Financial Gain: The lawsuit suggests Hill’s actions were part of a “cunning” plan to maximize her personal profit. Michel asserts that Hill kept 40% of the tour’s earnings before distributing the remainder between himself and Wyclef Jean.
Coachella Rejection: Michel’s suit also claims that Hill turned down a $5 million offer for the Fugees to perform at Coachella, reportedly due to her dissatisfaction with the group being listed below the reunited No Doubt.
Tour Cancellation: In November 2023, several dates were postponed due to Hill suffering from vocal strain, and a planned 2024 tour was eventually canceled.
Hill’s Response
Lauryn Hill has responded, calling the allegations “unfounded.” She provided a different perspective on the tour’s events:
- Hill claims the Fugees tour was merged into her ‘Miseducation’ tour to assist Michel with his legal expenses.
- She states that she personally covered most of the tour’s expenses and managed the show’s production.
- Hill further alleges that Michel received a $3 million advance, which he claimed was necessary to cover his legal fees.
Background
The Fugees, formed in 1990, have long been known for their internal conflicts. Their 1996 album, “The Score,” brought them global recognition, selling over 22 million copies and earning them two Grammy Awards. This lawsuit marks another tumultuous chapter in the group’s history, further complicated by Michel’s separate legal troubles. In April 2023, Michel was found guilty of a foreign influence scheme and could face up to 20 years in prison.
As this legal saga unfolds, it underscores the deep challenges and personal disputes within one of hip-hop’s most influential groups.