Key takeaways:
- Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Pras Michel took the stand in his own defense in a Washington, D.C. federal courtroom.
- Michel told jurors that he accepted about $20 million from a Malaysian businessman, Jho Low, who wanted his photo taken with President Barack Obama.
- Michel said that after Low gave him the money it was his to spend how he wanted, and prosecutors allege the artist immersed himself in American politics at the behest of the wealthy Malaysian financier.
Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Pras Michel, best known as a member of the ’90s group Fugees, took the stand in his own defense Tuesday morning in a Washington, D.C. federal courtroom. Michel is accused of conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions and failing to register as an agent of China.
Michel told jurors that he accepted about $20 million in 2012 from a Malaysian businessman, Jho Low, who wanted his photo taken with President Barack Obama. Michel said the large amounts were never intended as illegal foreign campaign contributions or as payment for his services.
“After consulting with my attorneys and the universe, I have decided to testify,” Michel said before answering questions from his defense team and prosecutors alike about the approximately $800,000 he said he paid to friends so they could donate to a political campaign.
Michel said that after Low gave him the money it was his to spend how he wanted. “I looked at it as free money,” he said. Prosecutors allege the artist immersed himself in American politics at the behest of the wealthy Malaysian financier to gain access, peddle influence, and make money.
The trial is ongoing, and Michel’s testimony is expected to continue. It is unclear how the jury will rule on the case. However, Michel’s testimony is sure to provide insight into the inner workings of the alleged scheme.
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