According to reports, former Fugees rapper Pras recently underwent an emergency operation for colon cancer. A procedural delay put off the sentencing of the Haitian American artist, who was convicted of conspiracy and faces a substantial fine and potentially up to 20 years in prison.

In April 2023, Pras, also known as Prakazrel Michel, age 52, was found guilty of a foreign influence scheme. The “Ghetto Superstar” rapper was found guilty on all 10 counts, encompassing witness intimidation, submitting false records, conspiracy to deceive the U.S., and neglecting to register his lobbying activity on behalf of a foreign national.

The scheme involved fugitive Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, who is at large, diverting millions of dollars to Pras. It is alleged that Pras made donations to political campaigns and also lobbied for China, as part of several other illicit activities. According to Rolling Stone, Pras’ August 29 hearing was initially intended to establish how much he would have to pay the government, but his health issues have since become the priority.

According to Pras’s legal team, his scheduled sentencing hearing on Friday was cancelled due to emergency medical surgery to remove cancer from his colon. “We wish him a full and swift recovery as he deals with both his legal issues and his health issues.”

Pras faces up to 20 years in prison, with his attorneys seeking a reduced sentence of three years. A federal court has ordered Pras to forfeit $65 million, with a new sentencing hearing scheduled for October 3 to finalise the amount.

In January 2025, The Hollywood Reporter alleged that Donald Trump was contemplating a pardon for Pras. Although Trump’s camp remained silent, the rapper’s publicist stated that his lawyers are considering all possible courses of action after the case.