Pras Michel, a member of the music group The Fugees, has confessed to receiving $20 million from a Malaysian businessman, Jho Low, to arrange a photo with former US President Barack Obama in 2012.
Michel testified on Tuesday during his illegal-lobbying trial, where he faces charges of criminal conspiracy, foreign lobbying, and campaign finance for allegedly colluding with Jho Low to influence the administrations of Obama and former President Donald Trump.
Michel revealed that Jho Low, who was once his friend but is now a fugitive, hired him to be a “celebrity surrogate” to obtain the photo. Michel admitted to paying approximately $800,000 to his friends so they could donate to a political campaign.
Michel described Jho Low as a wealthy man who was willing to do anything and spend any amount of money to get a photo with Obama. However, Jho Low’s reputation made it difficult for him to get invited to fundraisers.
Michel claimed that he offered to help Jho Low, but at a price of $1 million to begin thinking about how to get the photo. Prosecutors allege that Michel was deeply involved in American politics at the behest of Jho Low, and that he used his influence to gain access and make money.
Prosecutors allege the Grammy-winning artist immersed himself in American politics at the behest of the wealthy Malaysian financier to gain access, peddle influence, and make money.