Thu Nov 20 23:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Pras Michel, a member of the Fugees, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted in 2023 on charges related to conspiracy and illegal foreign lobbying. The case involved funneling money from a Malaysian businessman into Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign, attempting to obstruct a Justice Department investigation, and unregistered foreign lobbying for China. His request for a retrial, based on the claim that his attorney used AI for a flawed closing argument, was denied. He had also previously stated he would no longer participate in Fugees reunions and sued former bandmate Lauryn Hill.

News Article:

Fugees’ Pras Michel Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Conspiracy and Lobbying Violations

NEW YORK, NY (November 20, 2025) – Pras Michel, a member of the influential hip-hop group the Fugees, was sentenced to 14 years in prison today, according to Billboard. The sentencing stems from his conviction in 2023 on charges of conspiracy and illegal foreign lobbying.

The case, which drew considerable attention and included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and a forthcoming documentary produced by Mark Wahlberg, centered around Michel’s involvement in a complex scheme to funnel millions of dollars from Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) into Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign via straw donors.

Prosecutors also argued successfully that Michel attempted to undermine a Justice Department investigation into Low’s alleged conspiracy and engaged in unregistered foreign lobbying on behalf of China, attempting to influence an extradition case.

Michel had faced a maximum sentence of 22 years. Following his conviction, he sought a retrial, claiming his attorney’s use of AI to write a botched closing argument prejudiced his defense. This request was ultimately denied.

The sentencing marks a further fall from grace for the Grammy-winning artist, who last year declared he would no longer participate in any future Fugees reunions. He had also recently sued former bandmate Lauryn Hill for fraud in relation to a canceled Fugees tour.

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