In a story resembling the plot of a spy thriller, Fugees founder Pras Michél has spoken out following his conviction in a high-profile corruption case. The rapper, convicted in April on ten counts, including campaign finance violations and acting as an unregistered foreign agent, faces up to 22 years in prison.
“My Life Felt Surreal”- Pras Michél
Michél, 52, shared his perspective in an interview with Variety, describing the surreal events that led to his legal troubles. “I don’t know if subconsciously it was a bit exciting for me too,” he said, referencing his meetings with foreign dignitaries and secretive instructions involving code words like “banana peel.” Despite the cinematic elements, Michél was adamant he never sought such entanglements. “I like spy movies, but I never wanted to be a spy. I don’t think that’s sexy.”
The case centers on Michél’s ties to fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low, the mastermind behind the $4.5 billion 1MDB scandal. Prosecutors accused Michél of funneling funds from Low into Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign and lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of China.
Recalling a clandestine meeting at a Manhattan Four Seasons penthouse, Michél noted how unusual it was. “I’m going to tell you what was weird to me: the fact that the Four Seasons has a private elevator. I never knew that,” he remarked.
Legal Fallout and Personal Toll
The trial featured testimony from Leonardo DiCaprio and name-dropped celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Martin Scorsese. Michél, however, remains the only major figure in Low’s orbit to face significant repercussions. His attorney, Robert Meloni, described Michél as a scapegoat. “The government needed a prize. They needed a head, and he was the low-hanging fruit,” Meloni said.
While awaiting sentencing in January, Michél is preparing an appeal but acknowledges his uncertain future. “There’s a possibility that I’m going in while I’m fighting. It’s just the reality,” he said.
The ordeal has disrupted every facet of his life. “I can’t bank anywhere, been kicked out of 13 banks,” Michél revealed. Once surrounded by a large circle, he now finds solace in a smaller, loyal group. “What’s mine, no one’s going to be able to take away from me,” he said.
Meanwhile, Michél’s tumultuous story has caught Hollywood’s attention, with talks of a documentary and potential books chronicling his saga. Despite the fallout, Michél maintains hope for his path forward, even as he reflects on being at “the wrong place at the right time.”