Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a founding member of the Fugees, was sentenced on November 20 to 14 years in prison for illegally funneling millions of dollars in foreign contributions to former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.
Michel, 52, was convicted in April 2023 on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. The trial featured testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Prosecutors argued Michel “betrayed his country for money,” while defense attorneys called the sentence disproportionate and said he will appeal.
Michel reportedly obtained more than US$120 million from Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, and is said to have directed some of the funds through straw donors. Prosecutors said Michel also attempted to halt a Justice Department investigation into Low, tampered with witnesses, and committed perjury. Low has denied any wrongdoing.
Back in 2024, a judge rejected Michel’s request for a new trial, ruling that alleged errors—including his attorney’s use of generative AI in closing arguments—did not amount to a miscarriage of justice.
Indeed, celebrity legal battles are far from rare, with some disputes fading quietly while others dominate headlines for months. Click through this gallery to look back at some of the most significant high-profile celebrity lawsuits of all time.