Lauryn Hill is facing a lawsuit from her fellow Fugees bandmate, Pras Michél, who has accused her of breach of contract and fraud. The lawsuit was filed on Monday in New York and alleges that Hill mismanaged the budget for the band’s 2023 comeback tour, leading to inflated and potentially fictitious expenses that appeared designed to incur losses.
According to Michél, the tour was poised for “huge commercial success,” with most shows sold out in advance. However, he claims he ended up “empty-handed” due to Hill’s “narcissistic tendencies” and “arrogance.”
In her response, Hill dismissed the lawsuit as “baseless” and filled with “false claims and unwarranted attacks.” The lawsuit further alleges that Hill turned down a $5 million (£3.8 million) offer to perform at the Coachella festival without informing Michél, on the grounds that the Fugees would not be headlining.
Michél has also criticized Hill for her “chronic tardiness” to performances. In her statement, Hill noted that she had been “pushing through” challenges, understanding that Michél was under stress due to his legal issues, which she believed could be affecting his judgment and character.
Hill explained, “Last year’s tour was put together to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. It was being planned whether the Fugees were involved or not.” She added that the tour was expanded to include the Fugees after she learned about Michél’s financial troubles and his need for funds to assist with his legal defense.
In 2023, Michél was found guilty of illegal lobbying, with U.S. prosecutors stating he had received over $100 million (£80 million) from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low for two efforts to influence U.S. politics.
Hill emphasized that Michél’s lawsuit “notably omits” that he received an advance payment of $3 million (£2.3 million) for the last tour to cover his legal fees and that he has yet to repay substantial loans she provided as an “act of goodwill.”
The Fugees are scheduled to perform three dates in the UK next week, including a concert at the O2 arena in London. However, Michél’s lawyer confirmed that he would not be participating in these shows.
The Fugees, formed in New Jersey in 1990 by Hill, Michél, and Wyclef Jean, are best known for hits like “Ready or Not” and “Killing Me Softly.”
