Pras To Sue 50 Cent, Kyrie Irving Over Informant Claims

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Former Rapper Pras Michel Goes On Trial For Conspiracy Charges In Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Pras Michel, a member of the 1990's hip-hop group the Fugees, arrives at U.S. District Court on March 31, 2023 in Washington, DC. Michel is on trial for his alleged participation in a campaign finance conspiracy. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Pras claims that the allegations have negatively impacted business deals and music revenue.

As Pras stares down a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, he appears to be taking legal action against 50 Cent, Kyrie Irving, and Rolling Stone for labeling him a federal informant. According to the Los Angeles Times, Pras’ attorney sent legal notifications to the three parties for the defamation suit on claims that a Rolling Stone article called him an “FBI informant.” However, Pras also claims that 50 Cent and Kyrie Irving echoed these claims online, as well.

A jury found Pras guilty of 10 counts last month, earning a widespread reaction from the hip-hop community following testimony that he cooperated with authorities. Fif took to Instagram with a headline that deemed Pras an “FBI informant.” “I knew this fool was a rat! I’m glad I never fvck with this guy,” 50 Cent wrote. Shortly after, Irving tweeted, “A whole FBI Informant was in the Fugees for that long??” Meanwhile, Rolling Stone published an article where they said he is “an informal FBI informant,” which was later changed to claim that he “voluntarily met with FBI agents.”

Pras’ Attorney’s Letter To Rolling Stone

(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Jonathan Noah Schwartz, the representative for Pras’, said that these claims led to the loss of business deals, which ultimately impacted his ability to generate income. “Labeling a Hip Hop artist such as Michel, the reputation of whom is dependent upon ‘street credibility’ and not being a ‘snitch,’ a ‘government informant’ most certainly tends to subject said Hip Hop artist to hatred, distrust, ridicule, contempt and/or disgrace, along with injury in their trade or profession,” the letter reads.

In addition to Schwartz, David Kenner, Pras’ attorney, also plans to take legal action against Rolling Stone. Kenner’s attorney, Erica Dumas, said that the publication led to viral stories that “harmed the business interests, reputations of Pras and attorney Kenner,” Dumas told the Los Angeles Times. Dumas added that 50 Cent and Kyrie Irving put the lives of Pras and Kenner “at risk” because of their claims online. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates surrounding the lawsuit. Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.
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