Mark Wahlberg-directed documentary to chart the legal saga of Fugees’ Pras Michel

It promises an “unfiltered” look at his federal conspiracy trial, which could land him 22 years in jail

Mark Wahlberg is directing a new documentary charting the lengthy legal saga of Fugees founding member Pras Michel, Variety reports.

Confirmed by a representative for Michel to Mixmag yesterday (October 15), the documentary promises to give an “unfiltered” look at Michel’s life, career, and his more recent legal troubles.

Michel, who was due to be sentenced on October 3 in a trial where he’s accused of accepting payments to assist Malaysian billionaire Jho Low in gaining political connections in the US, is currently facing up to 22 years in jail.

The 2023 conviction was delayed sentencing for a third time earlier this month as Donald Trump considers pardoning Michel, according to Variety.

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Wahlberg has reportedly made a deal to document the ongoing trials and legal battle, as well as his life and career in music – from his beginnings at Yale, to appearances on the world’s largest stages alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean.

Speaking to Variety, Michel explains: “Everyone is fascinated by all the twists and turns, like it’s some kind of thriller. But for me, this is just my life — the real, messy, complicated truth of what I’ve been living through.”

The documentary will explore one of the most “complex and politically-charged cases in music history", which has made international headlines and seen the GRAMMY-winning musician become a target for the FBI.

Read this next: Fugees’ Pras Michel files lawsuit against Lauryn Hill over failed reunion tour

It also gives a look into the complexities of the American justice system, telling Michel’s story as he navigates legal battles, health issues, and his attempts to continue his life as an artist.

Though no release date or further details have been confirmed yet, the documentary is set to be produced by Wahlberg’s Unrealistic Ideas company, which he co-founded alongside US filmmaker Archie Gips.

"Pras put his complete trust in Mark, Archie and Stephen at Unrealistic Ideas to tell his story authentically, without any filters or agenda," Erica Dumas, Pras’ publicist and producer on project tells Mixmag. 

"That level of trust between subject and filmmaker is what makes this documentary so compelling. This project doesn't shy away from the challenging aspects of Pras' recent experiences."

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter

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