The Fugees member Pras Michelle has filed a lawsuit against bandmate Lauryn Hill, alleging fraud and breach of contract related to their 2023 tour and cancellation of concerts scheduled for 2024. I woke you up.
Michelle’s lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, alleges Hill mismanaged the setup, marketing and budget for the 2023 tour for personal gain. variety reported Tuesday (October 1), citing the complaint.
The FugeesFounding members reportedly claimed that the tour was “actually a veiled and sinister attempt to achieve greatness.” [Hill]”
Hill is also suspected of siphoning money from tour deposits and controlling the tour budget, which “appeared to be designed to lose money as it was bloated with unnecessary and possibly fictitious expenses.” It is held.
Michelle’s complaint accused Hill of taking it. 40% Tour Guarantee and Net Profit “Exceed” and the Rest Remains 60% herself, michelle, and Wyclef Jean.
The suit says the 2023 tour, which was shortened after Hill canceled the second half due to “severe vocal strain,” was a “huge commercial success” as most performances were sold out in advance. He claims that it was supposed to be.
Michelle claimed that most of her debts remained. 1 million dollars Unrecovered costs from the 2023 tour. The complaint says Mr. Michel and his representatives only recently learned of the financial arrangement and requested a financial audit, which was denied.
“[Lauryn Hill controlled the tour budget] It was so inflated with unnecessary and probably fictitious costs that it seemed designed to lose money. ”
Plus Michelle, The Fugees
variety According to a report, the lawsuit also addresses the Fugees’ upcoming tour in 2024. Mr. Hill claims he entered into an agreement with. live nation Without disclosing the details of the contract to Michelle, he will participate in an 18-date US tour scheduled to begin in August 2024.
The tour was ultimately canceled by Live Nation in August 2023 due to poor ticket sales, but Michelle blamed Hill for “taking too long to get a deal with Live Nation.” . [and] There was little to no marketing for the tour, and there was not enough time between the announcement and the first concert dates to generate sufficient pre-sales to justify the tour. ”
Michelle also accused Hill, described in the complaint as a wolf in sheep’s clothing with “narcissistic tendencies,” of turning down her marriage proposal. 5 million dollars He offered the Fugees a spot at Coachella because he felt they were being disrespected by the festival for putting No Doubt at the top of their list.
“Hill never told Plath about the offer or that it had been rejected. Plath learned about it too late, and Hill, in an astonishing display of arrogance, asked Plath to be his son’s opening act. after asking Plath if she would agree to play some Fugees songs for free. “YG” Marleywere scheduled to perform at the same Coachella festival,” the complaint quotes. variety read.
Additionally, Michelle’s lawsuit alleges that Hill “tarnished the Fugees brand” due to his “habit of being two to three hours late to shows” and used his financial needs to get into his own cases. He is accused of covering related legal costs. involvement in 1MDB financial scandal.
In response to the accusations, Mr. Hill released a detailed statement. statement He told reporters the lawsuit was “baseless” and “filled with false claims and unwarranted attacks.”
“We need to provide some clarity and facts. We understand that Mr. Plath has been under duress as a result of his legal battle and that this has probably affected his judgment, mental state and character. So I quietly pushed through,” the statement reads.
Hill claimed Michelle was given 3 million dollars He said the advance payment for the tour would have to pay for the legal costs.
“Wyclef and I deferred the full advance to make sure he had what he needed and could go,” Hill said, adding that the majority of the tour’s advance was given to Michelle. She added that she covered most of the tour costs because she was paid by
The agreement is said to have been made to ensure Michelle repays the money advanced, which she has yet to repay.
Hill also claimed that he covered most of the costs himself, produced the show, and put together the entire set, whereas Michelle “basically just had to come on set and perform.”
“I quietly pushed through because I understood it was a positive thing.” [Michél] He had been receiving threats due to his legal battles, which he believed may have affected his judgment, mental state, and personality. ”
Lauryn Hill, The Fugees
She said that at the time of her last tour, Michelle had “saved her life” and was grateful to her. Hill also expressed sympathy for Michelle’s current legal issues, but added: “While I wanted to help, I did not advise Michelle to make that decision.” “I do not take any responsibility for his decisions or their consequences.”
“Despite his attack, I still have compassion and hope that things will work out,” Hill said.
Formed in New Jersey in the late 1980s, the Fugees are considered one of the most influential hip-hop bands of the 1990s. In addition to Michelle and Hill, the group also includes Wyclef Jean. 22 million Leave a world record. their 1996 album Score It has been certified seven times Platinum by the RIAA.
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https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/lauryn-hill-sued-for-alleged-fraud-breach-of-contract-by-the-fugees-pras-michel-over-cancelled-tour/
