Lauryn Hill is currently embroiled in a lawsuit initiated by Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a co-founder of The Fugees, alleging fraud and breach of contract related to the cancellation of her tour.

A federal court document filed in New York reveals Michel’s claims that Hill mishandled the 2023 Miseducation Anniversary Tour, particularly in terms of its advertising and budget management. He accuses Hill of attempting to “usurp control” by monopolizing the group’s business affairs and trademarks, and of rejecting a significant $5 million offer for a performance by the hip-hop trio, which includes Hill, Pras, and Wyclef Jean, at Coachella this year.

The lawsuit states that Hill, who is 49 years old, “took advantage” of Michel’s vulnerable situation, leading to an unfair agreement concerning The Fugees’ 2023 reunion tour, as noted by Michel’s attorney, Robert Meloni.

“Ms. Hill’s habitual lateness was a defining issue of the tour, with shows typically starting two or more hours late,” the statement elaborated. “Hill also canceled the latter part of the tour and simultaneously financially burdened and deceived Mr. Michel.”

Hill’s tour company, MLH Touring, has also been included as a defendant in this lawsuit, which is seeking damages that have not been specified.

In a response shared with YSL News on Tuesday through her representatives, Hill addressed Michel’s allegations by stating: “I have remained quiet and persevered because I realize Pras was under pressure from his legal issues, which might have clouded his judgment and mindset,” she remarked.

Michel was found guilty in April 2023 in a complex political conspiracy case involving millions of dollars and is currently out on bail pending his sentencing, where he could face up to 20 years behind bars. Hill commented on his legal troubles, insisting that she “was not part of Pras’ life when he made the unfortunate choices that landed him in his current legal predicament” and emphasized her lack of responsibility for his actions and their repercussions, despite her efforts to assist him.

Furthermore, Hill characterized Michel’s lawsuit as “groundless” and “filled with untrue statements and unnecessary criticisms.”

“It is particularly important to note that he received an advance payment for the last tour but has not reimbursed the substantial loans I extended to him out of goodwill,” Hill concluded her response. “The previous year’s tour was organized in celebration of the 25th anniversary of ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ and was intended to proceed regardless of the Fugees’ involvement.”

Michel asserts in his case that the tour was “really a disguised and duplicitous effort to pocket a large sum for Hill.”

The lawsuit further claims that the 2023 Fugees tour “would have been extremely profitable, as most of the performances on the entire arena tour sold out in advance.” However, Michel contends that the tour’s financial plan was excessively inflated with unnecessary and likely fabricated expenses, indicating an intention to incur losses, ultimately leaving him without funds.

Michel’s attorney claims Hill “falsified vital financial details and hid her plan to take a disproportionate 60% share of the tour’s earnings, leaving Mr. Michel with just 20% rather than the traditional one-third split he was entitled to.”

In her statements to YSL News on Tuesday in response to the lawsuit, Hill reiterated that “Pras has not repaid the money he was given in advance and is currently violating this agreement,” asserting he “simply needed to show up and perform” while she essentially “covered the majority of the tour’s costs” herself.

This legal action arises just before the Fugees are set for a European tour featuring Hill and Wyclef Jean, from which Michel has been excluded.

In August 2023, Hill revealed a tour to mark the 25th anniversary of her renowned debut album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” but it was ultimately cut short when Hill announced the cancellation of the tour’s second half in November 2023 due to “serious vocal strain.”

Hill finally expressed her frustrations regarding the previously canceled tour dates in a detailed Instagram post on August 7, conveying, “Last year, I encountered an injury which necessitated the rescheduling

Some of my shows have been impacted, and unfortunately, a few media organizations have a tendency to prioritize sensational stories and eye-catching headlines. This has seemingly led to a narrative that negatively impacted ticket sales for the North American leg of the tour.

Despite the legal dispute with Michel and other criticisms, Hill wrapped up her statement with a message of goodwill: “I remain caring and wish for a positive resolution for him.”