Ex-Fugees rapper Pras Michel denies links with Jho Low, will confront 1MDB charges in new album ‘Elon Musk’
- Malaysian businessman and the singer allegedly conspired to steer foreign campaign contributions into Obama’s 2012 campaign
- US prosecutors said funds totalling more than US$21 million were funnelled by Low into the election, with some of the funds listed under Michel’s name
Former Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel appeared in court on Thursday and told reporters he is innocent of criminal charges that he conspired to funnel foreign funds into Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential re-election, while also plugging his upcoming album.
Last week, the Justice Department unsealed charges against Michel and Low. It is a crime for foreign nationals to make political contributions in US federal, state or local elections.
Michel said he has no plans to take a plea deal if offered one and that “every issue and everything that has been said around here” will be addressed on his new nine-track extended-play album.
I’m totally innocent and my lawyer’s going to handle the whole trial
“I’m totally innocent and my lawyer’s going to handle the whole trial and we’re in full compliance,” he said after appearing in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. “More importantly, I want everybody to understand that I’m just working on my ‘Elon Musk’ EP. It’s coming out next month. I’m totally focused on that.