Former Fugees member Pras Michel, currently facing 22 years in prison for his involvement in the 1MDB scandal, may receive a pardon from Donald Trump, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter.

Photo Credit: Pras Michel for Miami Film Festival / CC by 2.0

Michel was convicted on 10 counts, including conspiracy, witness tampering, and failing to register as an agent of China. These charges stem from his connection to fugitive businessman Jho Low, who allegedly defrauded Malaysia's 1MDB sovereign wealth fund.

His legal team, led by Adam Katz (who previously represented Rudy Giuliani), is "exploring all available options" according to Michel's publicist, Erica Dumas. Michel's appeal centers on claims of incompetence by his trial attorney, who notably misused AI during closing arguments.

Trump's potential pardon appears motivated by his opposition to former Justice Department public corruption unit head Corey Amundson, who prosecuted Michel. Amundson resigned on January 27 following attempted reassignment by the Trump administration.

Interestingly, Trump and Michel share a past connection. Trump made a cameo on Michel's 1998 solo album "Ghetto Supastar," leaving a voicemail saying, "I have no doubt that you're going to be a big success" and "I hope very soon you're going to be in the leagues with me."

The 1MDB scandal, described by the FBI as the "largest kleptocracy case to date," has implicated numerous high-profile figures, including a former Malaysian prime minister, Goldman Sachs executives, and even attracted attention from Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio through his association with Jho Low.

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