Former Fugees member Pras Michel, currently facing 22 years in prison for his role in the 1MDB scandal, may receive a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, according to 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 involvement with fugitive businessman Jho Low and the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB fraud case, which the FBI has labeled the "largest kleptocracy case to date."

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

Trump's consideration of the pardon appears linked to his history with Michel and recent Justice Department developments. The two have a past connection - Trump appeared on Michel's 1998 debut solo album "Ghetto Supastar," leaving a voicemail message expressing confidence in Michel's future success.

The timing coincides with the resignation of Corey Amundson, former head of the Justice Department's public corruption unit, who prosecuted Michel. Amundson's departure followed attempted reassignment by the Trump administration, allegedly in retaliation for his involvement in Trump-related investigations.

The 1MDB scandal has implicated numerous high-profile figures, including a Malaysian prime minister, Goldman Sachs executives, and even attracted attention from Hollywood, with actor Leonardo DiCaprio having connections to Jho Low.

Neither the White House nor Michel has officially commented on the potential pardon.

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