Fugees’ upcoming international tour dates have been brought into question as Pras fights to get his passport back from the Department of Justice.
The group is set to hit the road later this year but, as Pras Michel remains under criminal indictment as part of a probe into an alleged political influence campaign, the dates appear to be in jeopardy.
According to Billboard, the star’s legal battles centre on a Chinese investment company, and he’s alleged to have facilitated the transfer of millions for Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho.
Pras’ lawyer David Kenner confirmed his client’s passport has been handed over to the authorities and he is currently working to get it back so he can tour outside of the US.
“It’s certainly something they were aware of and I don’t think they ever seriously thought that it would be an impediment,” Kenner said.
Pras reunited with Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean for a Global Citizen Live show in New York last month and announced the live dates to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their 1996 album ‘The Score’.
Of the trek, Lauryn says: “The Fugees have a complex but impactful history. I wasn’t even aware the 25th anniversary had arrived until someone brought it to my attention.
“I decided to honor this significant project, its anniversary, and the fans who appreciated the music by creating a peaceful platform where we could unite, perform the music we loved, and set an example of reconciliation for the world.”
It’s a massive U-turn, as the group previously insisted they’d never reunite.
In 2007, Pras said: “You will have a better chance of seeing Osama Bin Laden and (George W.) Bush in Starbucks having a latte, discussing foreign policies, before there will be a Fugees reunion.”
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