Fugees legend Pras Michel could receive a presidential pardon from Donald Trump after he was controversially convicted of corruption.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Trump is considering commuting Pras’ possible 22-year sentence for participating in a multi-billion dollar fraud scheme that also involved foreign powers, bankers and even Leonardo DiCaprio.
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Trump has not yet publicly commented on Pras’ case, but the rapper’s publicist said his legal team “is exploring all available options following his case” and “remain optimistic about potential paths forward.”
Pras and Trump have something of a relationship going back almost 30 years.
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Trump, then a renowned property tycoon, appeared on Pras’ debut album Ghetto Supastar in the form of a voicemail.
“1st Phone Interlude” found the future president saying: “I have no doubt that you’re going to be a big success. To now, after knowing you, I know that you’re going to be right up there. And I hope very soon you’re going to be in the leagues with me. So good luck, man.”
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Pras has not yet been sentenced but faces up to 22 years behind bars after being convicted in his conspiracy trial of charges such as failing to register as an agent of China.
The U.S. government is also coming after him for almost $65 million.
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In December, federal prosecutors filed a motion for an order of forfeiture, seeking a judgment against the Fugees member for the amount of $64,923,226.40.
The figure stems from what the feds say is a total payment of $104.24 million from Malaysian businessman Jho Low to Pras as part of several “schemes” intended to influence government officials to end an investigation into whether Low embezzled from the investment fund 1MDB, as well as to send a Chinese national back to China.
Around $37 million of that total was dealt with in a related 2018 case, so the nearly $65 million mentioned in the new document is the amount left over.
On the music side, Pras has distanced himself from the Fugees in recent months, suing Lauryn Hill for fraud and breach of contract over their failed reunion tour.
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He was also unable to go on a tour of Europe with his former bandmates last year because his legal problems barred him from leaving the country.
