Lauryn Hill's Bandmate Contradicts Her Media 'Narrative' Tour Cancellation Reason
By Afouda Bamidele on August 9, 2024 at 2:45 PM EDT
Lauryn Hill's bandmate, Pras Michel, is pushing back against her explanation for the abrupt cancellation of the Fugees' North American reunion tour.
While Hill pointed fingers at sensationalist media for derailing the tour, Pras paints a different picture. The tour, meant to celebrate Hill's Miseducation anniversary, has been marred by legal and financial troubles, including a lawsuit against her promoting company, MLH Touring Inc.
Pras' challenge to Lauryn Hill's narrative hints at underlying issues that may have played a larger role in the tour's cancellation.
Pras Michel Breaks Silence On Lauryn Hill's Tour Drama
Pras, a key member of the iconic group The Fugees, has finally spoken out, challenging Hill's narrative about the recent cancellation of their 18-city U.S. reunion tour.
Hill, who has been criticized for years over her chronic lateness, was once again under fire when the tour was abruptly canceled. Fans reportedly took to social media to express their frustration—sentiments that Pras himself seems to echo. In a candid moment, Pras revealed:
"I saved her reputation for 20 years by not telling my side of the story but oops … cat's out the bag."
His remarks suggest that there's more to the story than Hill's claims of media sensationalism. TMZ reported that Pras also admitted that Hill's notorious tardiness has often disrupted his schedule, further adding to the strain within the group.
While The Fugees European tour is still on the calendar, Pras acknowledges that the possibility of the shows happening ultimately lies in the hands of the fans.
Hill Blamed Media For Fugees Tour Cancellation
Just days before the tour was set to kick off, fans were left disappointed when the group pulled the plug. The Blast reported that in a lengthy statement, Hill took to Instagram to explain the sudden decision, pointing the finger squarely at the media.
She attributed the cancellation to sluggish ticket sales, which she claimed were directly impacted by negative media portrayals. The singer expressed her frustration over the situation, stating:
"Last year, I had to reschedule several shows because of an injury. Unfortunately, the media's love for sensationalist headlines has spun a narrative that has hurt ticket sales for the North American tour."
She believed that the media's portrayal of the incident focused more on creating buzz than the truth. "The trust and faith in my intentions and my dedication to my art have been clouded by this negative portrayal," Hill wrote.
The 'Turn Your Lights Down Low' Hitmaker Offered Hope To International Fans
In the heartfelt Instagram post, the mother-of-six reassured her international fans that her upcoming shows in theUK and Europe would proceed as planned.
Hill confirmed that these performances are set to take place in October, highlighting the unique opportunity for fans in the UK and Europe to witness the Fugees' reunion after 25 years.
The actress conveyed her deep connection with fans, describing each performance as an "exchange of energy and emotion" that fuels her passion for the stage.
After noting her gratitude for their unwavering support, she concluded her message by expressing hope for a future return to North America.
Financial Woes Hit The Singer's Tour Company
Hill's Miseducation Anniversary Tour hit yet another roadblock as financial troubles came to light. In May, The Blast reported that MLH Touring Inc., the company behind Hill's much-anticipated tour, was sued for breach of contract by California-based service provider Eighteentwentysix LLC.
Legal documents reveal that Eighteentwentysix LLC filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $60,000 in unpaid fees. The California-based company was responsible for overseeing production, rehearsals, and various logistical details to ensure the smooth execution of Hill's North American tour.
Despite their efforts, MLH Touring allegedly failed to settle the bill of $59,175.89, even after repeated demands for payment. The lawsuit sorted the owed amount and requested 10% interest on the unpaid balance, dating back to December 2023, along with attorney fees and other legal costs.
Lauryn Hill's Daughter Talks Her Upbring
Hill, celebrated as one of the most influential musicians of her generation, faced a different kind of scrutiny as her daughter opened up about her challenging upbringing.
In a candid 2020 Instagram Live session, Marley described a challenging childhood marked by her mother's anger and unpredictable behavior.
"She was just very angry. She was not easy to talk to," Marley shared, reflecting on how the intense anger impacted their relationship. The young artist revealed that she spent significant periods living with her grandparents due to the tumultuous environment at home.
Marley also recounted the fear she felt during disciplinary moments, noting how she would feel like she was "walking to her death" whenever Hill instructed her to fetch a belt.
Despite the difficult experiences, she acknowledged her mother's greatness, saying, "My mother is an amazing woman, but she obviously didn't do everything right."
Given the ongoing turbulence surrounding Lauryn Hill's tour cancellations, it appears that they may be rooted in deeper issues than just media portrayal.