Ms Lauryn Hill, sued by Pras for chaos during Fugees tour, calls lawsuit “baseless”

The band’s 2024 tour, which was canceled days before its kickoff date, became unfeasible due to low ticket sales, which Pras attributes to Hill’s reputation as an unpunctual performer and her delay in closing the deal with Live Nation Entertainment, causing there was little time left for promotion. At the time of the cancellation, Hill had attributed the poor sales to the media’s “penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines.”

The lawsuit follows Pras’ release of a song called “Bar Mitzfa” in August, which appeared to be aimed at Hill. The song, released exclusively through TMZ, introduced many themes that the lawsuit builds on.

In a statement shared with Pitchfork, Ms. Lauryn Hill pushed back on Pras’ allegations. She said:

Some clarity and facts need to be presented. I stood still and persevered because I understood that Pras was under pressure due to his legal battle and that perhaps this was affecting his judgment, state of mind and character.

Fact #1: This baseless lawsuit from Pras is full of false claims and baseless attacks. In particular, it omits the fact that he overpaid for the last tour and that he has failed to repay substantial loans that I provided as an act of goodwill. Last year’s tour was put together to celebrate the album’s 25th anniversary Lauryn Hill’s bad upbringing. It was planned whether the Fugees were involved or not.

Fact #2: The tour was expanded to include the Fugees because I found out that Pras was in trouble and needed money to support his legal defense.

Fact #3: Pras received a $3 million advance for the tour, which he said was to pay his legal fees. Wyclef and I postponed our full advances to make sure he had what he needed and could go. I covered most of the travel costs as most of the travel advance had gone to Pras. An agreement was made to secure the repayment of the money advanced. Pras has not repaid the money advanced to him and is currently in breach of this agreement.

Fact #4: Because my tour, band, production and setup were already underway, the Fugees set used the same production. I picked up most of the costs myself, produced the show and put together the entire set (with Wyclef’s participation in the Fugees and Wyclef’s set). All Pras really had to do was show up and perform.

Fact #5: During the last tour, Pras thanked me for ‘saving his life’. (I have the receipts.)

Fact No. 6: I don’t mean to kick anyone, especially if he or she is in trouble. That’s why I haven’t responded until now. It’s absolutely disheartening to see Pras in this position, my bandmate and someone I considered a friend, but this leads us to Fact #7, which probably should have been Fact #1…

Fact #7: I was not in Pras’ life when he decided to make the unfortunate decision that led to his current legal troubles. I did not advise him to make that decision and therefore am in no way responsible for his decision and its consequences, even though I took it upon myself to help. Despite his seizures, I am still compassionate and hope he is doing well.

With respect, MLH