…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Grammy-winning rapper Pras Michel, formerly of the Fugees, has been found guilty of ten charges, including conspiring in a plot to influence the US governments of Donald Trump and Barack Obama.
The musician turned political activist, aged 50, was accused of receiving more than £80m ($100m) from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low to be funnelled into US politics.
Michel acted as Low’s representative in lobbying efforts on behalf of the Chinese government, and he was also convicted of campaign finance violations, witness tampering, and lying to banks.
Michel now faces up to 20 years in prison but has vowed to appeal the verdicts.
Testimony from Celebrities and Former Attorney General
The four-week trial in Washington DC featured testimony from Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio and former US Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Jurors heard evidence of Low’s lavish lifestyle with celebrities.
Stars including Alicia Keys, Paris Hilton, and Miranda Kerr attended parties thrown by Low, while Britney Spears once jumped out of a cake at a party to mark the tycoon’s birthday.
Low, who is on the run and believed to be living in China, is accused of stealing billions from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, using the money to befriend celebrities and wield influence.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
Michel’s Defense
Michel admitted pocketing millions of dollars while helping Low, but the rapper insisted during his trial that he had received bad legal advice when going into politics and genuinely believed he was helping the US.
He told the court that Low had wanted a picture with Obama and was willing to pay $20m to get it.
He said he was paid to invite celebrity friends to political fundraisers, unaware that this was illegal according to campaigning laws.
Appeal Plan
Michel remained silent as he left court, but his lawyer David Kenner said they planned to file an appeal.
“We are extremely disappointed in that result but are very, very confident in the ultimate outcome of this case”, he said.
“This is not over – I remain very, very confident that we will ultimately prevail in this matter.”