Pras Michel sentencing

Photo Credit: Miami Film Festival / CC by 2.0

The Fugees’ Pras Michel’s sentencing was delayed after the rapper underwent emergency surgery for colon cancer last week.

Pras Michel, the Fugees’ rapper who was found guilty of conspiring to defraud the U.S. government in 2023, was set to appear in court on Friday, August 29, for a sentencing hearing. But his lawyers revealed that he would be unable to appear due to a “significant medical concern.”

“Pras missed Friday’s sentencing hearing while undergoing emergency surgery for colon cancer removal,” said his spokesperson, Erica Dumas, in a statement. “We stand with him and his family and wish him a full recovery as he addresses this serious health matter.”

Dumas added that Michel was “recovering right now until he is in the clear and focused on spending time with his family ahead of sentencing.” The rapper also “remains hopeful for his future.”

Michel was found guilty in April 2023 of conspiracy, concealment of material facts, making false entries in records, witness tampering, and serving as an unregistered agent of a foreign power, according to the Department of Justice. His next scheduled hearing date is October 3.

Pras found success in the ‘90s as a member of the Fugees, alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. The group is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time.

But Michel ran into legal trouble due to his connections to Malaysian businessman Jho Low, an international fugitive accused of embezzling money from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund. Michel was convicted of attempting to influence officials of Donald Trump’s previous administration to drop an investigation into Low. He was also found guilty of concealing foreign campaign contributions during the 2012 U.S. presidential election.

Pras could face a maximum of 20 years in prison, but his legal team has been fighting to secure him no more than 36 months. In addition to serving time, he will be required to forfeit a sum of money to the federal government—the amount of which was to be determined at his sentencing hearing. The federal government is reportedly seeking nearly $63 million from Michel.