Music history is full of groups who seem stuck in “break up to make up” mode. When these groups fight it usually comes down to personal problems or money. In the case of The Fugees, it looks like both have had a hand in their downfall.
As previously reported by The Root, the groundbreaking rap trio’s highly-anticipated reunion tour was suddenly canceled just days before it was supposed to begin. In the aftermath of the cancellation, there was plenty of blame to go around. Ms. Lauryn Hill called out the media for focusing on negative stories about her frequent tardiness.
Meanwhile, Hill’s bandmate, Pras Michel, made his feelings known on a diss track titled “Bar Mitzfa,” which featured the lyrics, “Don’t blame me, blame her, she made the mess / Not another f##king penny is what I told ‘Clef.”
Now, it looks like Pras has taken his issues with Hill from the recording booth to the courtroom. According to Variety, he’s suing the “Everything is Everything” artist for “fraud, fraud in the inducement, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, accounting and refusal to permit an audit of the Fugees’ tour.”
Pras filed the lawsuit Tuesday in the Southern District of New York, accusing Hill of mismanaging the planning, as well as the budget for the tour. The suit claims it “was actually a veiled and devious attempt to make a big score for herself,” It also alleges that she “secretly siphoned off money from the tour guarantees.”
Michel’s attorney, Robert S. Meloni, detailed his client’s issues in a statement to The Root.
“The lawsuit alleges that Ms. Hill exploited Mr. Michel’s vulnerable legal situation, manipulating him into an unfair agreement for The Fugees’ 2023 reunion tour,” the statement reads. “Ms. Hill’s chronic tardiness was a hallmark of the tour, with shows routinely starting two or more hours late. Hill cancelled the second half of the tour and, at the same time, financially penalized and defrauded Mr. Michel. We assert that Ms. Hill misrepresented critical financial information and concealed her intent to take an excessive 60% share of the tour’s proceeds, leaving Mr. Michel with only 20% instead of the group’s customary one-third split. This legal action aims to hold Ms. Hill accountable and secure justice for Mr. Michel. The lawsuit comes on the cusp of the “Fugees” European tour by Hill and Wyclef Jean, at which Michael will not be performing.”
Hill responded to the lawsuit with a statement outlining seven facts disputing Pras’ claims. She states that he was advanced $3 million during their previous tour to help with his legal fees, money she says he still hasn’t paid back. She added that she and Wyclef deferred their “full advances to make sure [Pras] had what he needed.”
The “Ex-Factor” singer also explained why she hasn’t commented on Pras’ criticism of her.
“I am not in the business of kicking anyone, especially when they’re down, which is why I haven’t responded to date,” Hill said. “It is absolutely disheartening to see Pras in this position, my band mate and someone I considered a friend.”
Addressing his legal issues, which found him convicted of a myriad of charges including, conspiracy, witness tampering and serving as an unregistered agent of a foreign power, she stated that since she wasn’t in his life when things went down, she’s “in no way responsible for his decision and its consequences.” However, she still seems to hold affection for her old friend, explaining, “Despite his attacks, I am still compassionate and hope things work out for him.”
While The Fugees have been considered game changers since they burst on the scene, Hill, Pras and their cohort Wyclef Jean, have constantly been surrounded by drama. Whether it involves Hill’s personal relationships or Pras’ and Wyclef’s legal issues, their individual controversies began overshadowing their music.
With their messiness constantly making headlines, fans have long assumed the group would eventually reach their breaking point. As we stated, this sort of development isn’t new in the music world, but that doesn’t make it any less disappointing.
It’s not like we thought the trio would defy the odds, but we hoped they would be able to keep it together long enough to give us a few more memorable performances. However, every time another story comes out about how Hill’s behavior has affected her bandmates and their team, it seems like a comeback is a longshot.