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Matt Lauer Eyeing Media Comeback Eight Years After NBC Firing, Reports Say
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Matt Lauer Eyeing Media Comeback Eight Years After NBC Firing, Reports Say

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Former NBC “Today” anchor Matt Lauer is reportedly exploring a return to the media industry nearly eight years after he was fired over allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior.

According to People, a source familiar with the situation said Lauer “wants to get back into the media arena in some capacity, if not TV” and has “talked to some people about it,” as reported by Page Six.

Lauer, now 67, was terminated by NBC in November 2017 after the network received what it described as a “detailed complaint from a colleague” and determined there was reason to believe the conduct “may not have been an isolated incident.”

Page Six separately reported that Lauer had been accused of sending lewd messages and explicit photos to female NBC staffers, including a young intern.

Following his firing, two additional women came forward with allegations. One woman said Lauer summoned her to his office for sex and said she “felt helpless because she didn’t want to lose her job.”

Lauer issued a public apology the day after his dismissal, but also claimed that some of the accusations were “untrue.”

“There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions,” Lauer said at the time.

“To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry.” He added that some claims were “untrue or mischaracterized,” while acknowledging “there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.”

In the aftermath of the scandal, Lauer and his then-wife Annette Roque, divorced, finalizing the split two years later. Since leaving NBC, Lauer has kept a low profile and has largely stayed out of public view while living in the Hamptons.

The People source said Lauer remains “still angry” over “the way he was treated by the industry” and by people he “thought were his friends.”

Over the past several years, the source said Lauer has focused on being a “good father” to his three children — Jack, 24, Romy, 22, and Thijs, 18 — and spending time with them.

Earlier this year, former CNN journalist Don Lemon publicly predicted Lauer’s return to the news industry, saying “the public misses him.”

Lauer has not announced any specific plans or confirmed whether he intends to pursue television or another form of media.

New Country Song Shows Women Aren’t Buying the Feminist Girlboss Lifestyle Anymore
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New Country Song Shows Women Aren’t Buying the Feminist Girlboss Lifestyle Anymore

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Country music artist Kelsea Ballerini released a new single on November 7 titled “I Sit in Parks,” a two-minute track centered on the tension between career ambitions and motherhood.

The song has drawn significant attention across social media and commentary platforms for its focus on regret tied to choosing professional goals over becoming a parent.

The chorus includes the lines: “Did I miss it? By now is it / A lucid dream? Is it my fault / For chasin’ things a body clock / Doesn’t wait for? I did the d**n tour / It’s what I wanted, what I got / I spun around and then I stopped / And wondered if I missed the mark.”

Ballerini, 32, is divorced and does not have children.

In the song, she reflects on the decision to prioritize her music career, conveying the pain and regret associated with that choice.

The release prompted a wide range of reactions, including criticism from feminist commentators and support from pro-natalist voices who viewed the song as a notable cultural moment in mainstream music.

Among those responding was BlazeTV host Allie Beth Stuckey, who addressed the song on her program, “Relatable.”

“I can see how this vulnerability is speaking to what a lot of people feel. This is certainly not Christian, but it’s kind of reflecting this trend that we’re seeing among a lot of young people … wanting to go back to tradition, wanting to go back to church, wanting to go back to marriage, wanting to actually have children,” she said.

Stuckey discussed how the song aligns with concerns she has raised about the pressures placed on young women to avoid motherhood.

She argued that the idea that “motherhood isn’t for everyone” leads women toward choices they later find unfulfilling.

According to Stuckey, this message overlooks what she described as an ingrained maternal instinct.

“This motherhood instinct that we all have when we’re little girls — it doesn’t go away,” Stuckey said.

“We take care of our pets; we take care of our dolls; we take care of our flowers because that is the instinct that God has given us in general as women.”

Stuckey noted that even women who say they do not want children often direct nurturing tendencies toward pets, plants, work, or other areas.

She said this does not replace the fulfillment traditionally associated with motherhood.

She also stated that while marriage and having children are not part of everyone’s life, the drive to nurture remains and can be expressed through ministry, mentorship, or mission work.

She argued that channeling this instinct toward people is necessary to feel fulfilled if traditional motherhood is not part of a woman’s path.

Ballerini’s single, Stuckey said, illustrates what can result when motherhood is delayed or set aside entirely.

The song’s depiction of loneliness and reflection, she argued, resonates with listeners confronting similar questions about family, career, and long-term fulfillment.

Elton John Says What Could Make President Trump ‘One of the Greatest Presidents in History’
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Elton John Says What Could Make President Trump ‘One of the Greatest Presidents in History’

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Elton John said in an interview published this week that President Donald Trump could become “one of the greatest presidents in history” if he were to succeed in ending the AIDS epidemic, a goal the singer described as achievable due to bipartisan support and medical advancements, as reported by Breitbart.

Speaking with Variety, the “Rocketman” artist discussed his work addressing HIV/AIDS through global initiatives and praised support from leaders in both parties.

WASHINGTON – February 22, 2025: President Donald Trump arrives at the White House South Lawn on Marine One after his visit to CPAC.

John referenced a congressional delegation he led to South Africa, noting the level of agreement among lawmakers. “Lindsey Graham said it was the best bang for your buck you could possibly get,” John said.

John told the outlet that bipartisan cooperation on AIDS efforts “makes common sense” and pointed to decades of scientific advances.

“To see us come so far with the medical and scientific advances, and to think this is the only disease that can be completely cured in one’s lifetime,” he said.

“President Trump has maybe solved the peace problem. If he wants to go down as one of the greatest presidents in history … if he ended AIDS, that would really be a feather in his cap.”

Although the singer has never endorsed Trump and declined an invitation to perform at his 2016 inauguration, John acknowledged in a past interview that he found humor in one of the president’s widely discussed remarks.

Trump famously referred to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as “Little Rocket Man” in 2017, a public nickname referencing John’s hit song “Rocket Man.”

“I laughed. I thought that was brilliant. I just thought, ‘Good on you, Donald.’ I’ve always been friendly toward him and I thank him for his support,” John said.

Shortly after the Variety interview drew attention, John posted on Instagram to clarify that his comments should not be interpreted as support for the president.

“Part of an interview I gave … is being taken out of context and falsely misconstrued as a personal endorsement of Donald Trump,” he wrote.

“It’s not. I was simply acknowledging the fact that Trump has long been a fan of my music, and that historically he’s been very kind to me about that.”

John added that he does not use his platform to direct his audience’s political decisions.

“I don’t go on stage and say to people, ‘you mustn’t vote for the Republicans, you mustn’t vote for the Democrats.’ It’s none of my business how they vote,” he said.

The interview marks one of the singer’s most direct comments regarding Trump’s presidency, though he reiterated that his views were limited to the administration’s posture toward AIDS research and his personal interactions with the president over the years.

Senator Kelly Cries to Kimmel Over ‘Illegal Orders’ Backlash Despite Not Naming Any
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Senator Kelly Cries to Kimmel Over ‘Illegal Orders’ Backlash Despite Not Naming Any

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Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona said he is “not backing down” from his message telling U.S. service members to refuse what he called President Donald Trump’s “illegal orders,” even as he acknowledged during a television interview that he could not name any specific illegal order that the president has given.

Kelly, a retired Naval captain, addressed the issue during an appearance with host Jimmy Kimmel.

“You can’t keep track of this guy and what he says. I’ll tell you this though, I’m not backing down. We said something very simple. Members of the military need to follow the law. We wanted to say that we have their backs. His response, kill them,” Kelly told Kimmel.

Kelly appeared in a video alongside five other lawmakers promoting the message that service members should refuse orders they believe to be unlawful.

The video included statements from Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Reps. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Jason Crow of Colorado.

After the video began circulating on social media, the Trump administration and the Department of War said Kelly was under review for a possible court martial related to “serious allegations of misconduct.”

Kelly responded to that development during his interview with Kimmel.

“This is what he can do this week, go after me under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which is a law in the military, which is kind of wild because we recited something in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and he is going to prosecute me under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for reciting the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It is so ridiculous, it is like you can’t make this shit up,” Kelly said.

Kelly also claimed that actions taken by the administration were inconsistent with constitutional principles.

“What I am worried about is the reaction and what this transmits to the military and the public, which is basically, shut up and listen to that guy. That is not the way our system works. My oath and every member of the military took is loyalty to the Constitution, not to a person. He is trying to get some fear out there, and fear can be contagious, but what also can be contagious is courage and patriotism,” he said.

He further accused the president of undermining democratic norms.

“It is how democracy dies. It is right out of the playbook. The playbook of authoritarianism, that’s what they do. They try to suppress speech. Every one of us has First Amendment speech rights. I think the president is infringing on those, and he is sending a strong message, you don’t want to cross him and your loyalty should be to him. It should not. It always should be to the Constitution,” Kelly said.

In a separate appearance on Rachel Maddow’s program, Kelly stated that he could not identify any specific “illegal order” he believes the president has issued to the military.

Disoriented Actress Tara Reid Removed on Stretcher After Alleged Drink Tampering Incident
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Disoriented Actress Tara Reid Removed on Stretcher After Alleged Drink Tampering Incident

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Actress Tara Reid says she was taken to a Chicago hospital after her drink was allegedly tampered with at a hotel bar over the weekend, as reported by Fox News.

Reid, who was in Chicago for Comic Con, appeared disoriented in video footage obtained by TMZ, which showed several people assisting her into a wheelchair.

In the footage, she is seen slurring her words and clinging to another hotel guest before being seated.

Another clip showed paramedics moving Reid out of the hotel on a stretcher while bystanders offered words of support. A source told Fox News Digital that Reid had gone to the hotel bar to have a drink and a cigarette.

After stepping outside to smoke, she returned to find her glass of wine with a napkin placed over it. According to the source, Reid did not remember putting a napkin on the glass and thought it was unusual.

The source said Reid took two sips of wine and later woke up in a hospital. Her agent retrieved her from the hospital, and the two flew back to Los Angeles.

The source said, “She is very worried about people leaving their drinks unsupervised, and she is traumatized by the incident.”

A representative for Reid told Fox News Digital that she is preparing to file a police report.

The representative said, “Tara Reid is in the process of filing a police report after an incident in which she believes her drink was tampered with. Tara is recovering and asks for privacy during this traumatic time. She also urges everyone to be careful, watch your drinks, and never leave them unattended, as this can happen to anyone. She will not be making further comments at this stage.”

However, police told People on Monday that Reid had not yet filed the report.

Reid has previously spoken publicly about difficulties in her career. In 2023, she told Fox News Digital she has “been bullied a lot” and said her appearance on “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” was aimed at showing another side of herself.

She said, “And stop bullying me for kind of always the same things. And to let them see, you know, I’m not just this girl who’s 21 and partying in ‘American Pie.’”

Reid added, “I’m 47 years old now. I’m a woman and I want them to see that I am strong, and I do have a heart and I do care. And I hope that comes across.”

Reid also said the negative attention led her to temporarily step back from the industry, explaining, “I needed a break. You know, I think everyone needs a break from something when it becomes too much.”

No additional details have been released regarding the investigation.

Beyoncé Shows Off Her Ample Assets in Leather Outfit for F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
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Beyoncé Shows Off Her Ample Assets in Leather Outfit for F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

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Beyoncé appeared at the Formula One event in Las Vegas on Saturday night, joining a large group of high-profile attendees at the annual race.

The singer arrived with Jay-Z as the two entered the venue during one of the most publicized stops on the F1 calendar.

Beyoncé wore a white and black leather top styled after a racing uniform.

The outfit featured a zipper that she left partially open at the front.

She walked into the event alongside Jay-Z as fans and attendees gathered near the entrance.

Her hair fell to her shoulders, and she smiled while observing the atmosphere surrounding the race.

The couple’s appearance at the F1 event followed earlier sightings in November.

Sources said the two had recently attended Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday celebration.

Their attendance at both gatherings came as they stepped away from professional commitments to spend time together.

Saturday’s race drew a wide range of public figures from entertainment, sports, and culinary fields.

Among those present were Ben Affleck, Machine Gun Kelly, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Nina Dobrev, Gordon Ramsay, and Magic Johnson.

The event has regularly attracted notable guests as Las Vegas continues to serve as a major destination for high-profile races and entertainment programming.

The F1 weekend in Las Vegas included multiple events, live performances, and heavy media coverage surrounding the competition.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z were photographed entering the venue ahead of the race as crowds filled the area.

The appearance marks another instance in which the couple has been seen at major public events in recent weeks.

Sources earlier in the month said they attended Kris Jenner’s birthday gathering during a period in which they have been observed at various private and public functions.

The Las Vegas F1 event is one of the most attended on the circuit and draws participants and spectators from around the world.

The attendance list on Saturday reflected that trend, with actors, musicians, athletes, and public personalities taking part in race-related activities.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z departed the entrance area shortly after arriving, joining other guests inside.

Event coverage continued throughout the night as the race progressed and attendees moved between viewing areas and hospitality locations.

Bill Maher’s Thanksgiving Message Makes a Certain Group of People Look Like Idiots
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Bill Maher’s Thanksgiving Message Makes a Certain Group of People Look Like Idiots

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Bill Maher used his closing segment on “Real Time with Bill Maher” to criticize the growing trend of cutting off family members over political disagreements, arguing that the practice has damaged relationships and fueled deeper division.

Maher opened the segment by saying, “And finally, new rule, Happy Thanksgiving. I can’t believe that even that now is a political issue. It is a real shame what’s happened to this holiday, which used to be all about the good F’s, food, friends, family, football, fun, and now it’s f**k you. You’re not even invited because you voted for the wrong person.”

He added that he is “so tired of liberals ghosting half this country,” while noting that conservatives also do it “but not nearly as much.”

He said politics is now breaking families “more than letting your wife see your phone” and described two factions forming on the left: “the we need to keep talking to people, wing and the go no contact. Wing.” He criticized the belief that “Trump voters, even if it’s your own parents, are too deplorable for human contact and must be cut off.”

Maher referenced former Obama speechwriter David Litt, saying Litt wrote an op-ed admitting that avoiding right-leaning relatives was the wrong approach.

Maher said, “So of course, then the woke wing tried to banish him for breaking ranks on their policy of hating people who don’t agree with you on everything.”

He also pointed to comments made by Molly McNerney, who said she lost relationships after sending relatives an email listing reasons not to vote for President Trump.

Maher said, “Ultimatums don’t make people rethink their politics. They make them rethink you.”

He suggested a different approach: “write a top 10 List to yourself where you try to imagine 10 Reasons Why 77 million Americans didn’t want to trust you with taking power.”

Maher said most people learn their political views through upbringing, location, life experience, or religion.

He described reactions after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared on his show, saying some viewers admitted, “Wow, I kind of like her.”

He recalled Greene agreeing with comments about “fallen angels or demons” when discussing a Defense Department reference. Maher said, “I think that’s nuts. But you know what so is, is this a girl or a boy? I can’t tell by its penis.”

He listed political positions and cultural issues on the left that he objected to, saying, “I mean, I could go on really. There’s a lot of stuff. The other side has their top 10. List too.”

Maher also mentioned criticism of President Trump and said, “I know the President of the United States called a woman piggy this week,” adding that while some viewers may dislike Trump more strongly than he does, he also dislikes it.

Maher argued that cutting people off is unrealistic in key situations, including dealing with the President.

He said the anger toward him for having dinner with Trump was misguided: “you know, because he’s Hitler, except he’s not so unhelpful and dumb. Trump is the most supportive President Israel and the Jews ever had.”

He mocked the idea that speaking with President Trump elevates him. Maher referenced reports about ways to influence Trump, including advice that people need to meet him “face to face.”

He cited examples such as interactions with business leaders, decisions involving the National Guard, and advocacy from Kim Kardashian.

“Don’t you get it? Do you really not get it at this point, everything with him is done through personal relationships,” Maher said.

He argued that isolating Trump leaves him surrounded by people who agree with him, saying critics complain “he’s surrounded by ass kissers, but your strategy is to make sure no one but ass kissers are around him.”

Maher pointed to Rachel Maddow attending former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral as an example of people with opposing politics engaging in the same space.

He closed the segment by urging viewers to stay connected to their families: “We can do this, people, it’s Thanksgiving. Do yourself a favor. Get over yourself and go have it with your family.”

WATCH:

Kevin Spacey Says He’s Now Homeless After Years of Allegations and Sex Scandals
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Kevin Spacey Says He’s Now Homeless After Years of Allegations and Sex Scandals

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Kevin Spacey said he no longer has a permanent place to live after years of legal battles and public allegations that he has repeatedly denied.

The two-time Academy Award winner discussed his circumstances in a November 19 interview with The Telegraph, explaining how the fallout from the accusations has led to major financial strain and the loss of his longtime residence.

Spacey said the allegations, made by more than a dozen men, never resulted in a conviction, but they still had a significant effect on his life.

He lost the Baltimore, Maryland, home where he lived for 12 years and now relies on temporary lodging.

“Because the costs over these last seven years have been astronomical,” he said.

“I’ve had very little coming in and everything going out.”

He told The Telegraph that the shift from a stable career to years of litigation and public scrutiny left him rebuilding his life.

“You get through it,” Spacey said.

He added that his belongings are in storage and that he hopes to eventually choose a permanent place to live.

“In weird ways, I feel I’m back to where I first started, which is I just went where the work was. Everything is in storage, and I hope at some point, if things continue to improve, that I’ll be able to decide where I want to settle down again.”

Spacey described his current living situation in direct terms.

“I’m living in hotels, I’m living in Airbnbs,” he said.

“I’m going where the work is. I literally have no home, that’s what I’m attempting to explain.”

He said offers have come from first-time filmmakers willing to cast him in new projects, even as major studios keep their distance.

“We are in touch with some extremely powerful people who want to put me back to work,” he told The Telegraph.

“And that will happen in its right time. But I will also say what I think the industry seems to be waiting for is to be given permission – by someone who is in some position of enormous respect and authority.”

Spacey said his financial condition is “Not great,” though he noted he has managed to avoid bankruptcy.

“It was discussed, but it never got to that point,” he said.

In recent years, Spacey has won multiple legal cases connected to the accusations raised against him.

In 2023, a London court acquitted him of sexual assault charges brought by four men who said incidents occurred between 2001 and 2013.

In 2022, he was found not liable in a civil lawsuit filed by actor Anthony Rapp, who alleged Spacey molested him in 1986 when Rapp was 14 years old.

Spacey said the combination of legal outcomes and ongoing industry hesitation has left him navigating work on a project-by-project basis while he waits to see whether his career will stabilize.

‘The View’ Co-Hosts Call Out Jasmine Crockett for Botched Epstein Smear on Republicans
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‘The View’ Co-Hosts Call Out Jasmine Crockett for Botched Epstein Smear on Republicans

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Co-hosts of “The View” criticized Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas on Thursday after she incorrectly claimed that several Republicans had accepted campaign donations from Jeffrey Epstein.

The discussion centered on Crockett’s accusations and the subsequent confirmation that the contributions she referenced came from a different individual with the same name.

Crockett alleged that Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, former Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, and the National Republican Congressional Committee all took donations from Epstein.

Federal Election Commission records later showed that the contributions in question were from a self-employed physician also named Jeffrey Epstein.

According to the records, this individual made a $750 donation to Zeldin’s campaign on April 24, 2020, and a $250 donation on August 31, 2020.

Both contributions occurred a year after Epstein, the sex offender, died in Manhattan.

The same donor also gave two $250 contributions to Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign.

During the segment, Joy Behar asked for clarification about Crockett’s claims.

“Okay, it is also false that Mitt Romney and the NRCC took money … so it’s not true that they took money from Jeffrey Epstein?” she said.

“Okay, yes, a different [Jeffrey Epstein]. It’s so confusing and annoying!”

Alyssa Farah Griffin said Crockett’s comments shifted attention away from the seriousness of the Epstein case.

“But Joy, this is why people get so frustrated with politicians. Something horrible was done. We all agree on that. Epstein engaged in horrific crimes, but people care more about, well, my team didn’t do it, your team did,” she said.

Co-host Sara Haines said Crockett should acknowledge the mistake.

“When she said, my team looked into this quickly, when you’re going to throw out an accusation that big, which we all know this case is that big, just own it, say it was a mistake, and move on,” Haines said.

“Because to then try to say, well, they lie and we don’t lie, again, it’s the distrust in Congress and our politicians.”

Crockett addressed the issue in an interview on “The Source with Kaitlan Collins,” where she said she did not have adequate time to review the information provided by her team.

She said she did not believe she had lied about Zeldin accepting donations from Epstein.

“[Zeldin] admitted that he did receive donations from a Jeffrey Epstein, so at least I wasn’t trying to mislead people,” she said.

Crockett’s team also cited troll donations made under the name “JEFFREY EPSTEIN” listing the occupation as “CHILD MOLESTOR” and employer as “JEFFREY EPSTEIN.”

The contributions were processed through WinRed, which Crockett accused of accepting funds from Epstein.

The exchange unfolded as public attention remained focused on various political debates related to the release of Epstein-related documents.

Records revealed that Democratic Virgin Islands Del. Stacey Plaskett exchanged text messages with Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing involving President Donald Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen.

According to a Business Insider investigation, Epstein provided Plaskett with the name of a Trump Organization aide ahead of her questioning and also donated to her.

Fugees Rapper Sentenced to 14 Years Over Illegally Funneling Money to Obama Campaign
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Fugees Rapper Sentenced to 14 Years Over Illegally Funneling Money to Obama Campaign

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Grammy-winning artist Pras Michel was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted of funneling foreign money into Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign and participating in a broader influence operation linked to Malaysian financier Jho Low.

Michel, 53, was found guilty of organizing the scheme and channeling millions of dollars from Low through straw donors to support the campaign.

Federal prosecutors said Michel obtained more than $120 million from Low and directed a portion of those funds into political contributions.

Prosecutors also said Michel attempted to stop a Justice Department investigation into Low, tampered with two witnesses, and committed perjury during his trial.

In April 2023, a federal jury convicted Michel on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.

The trial in Washington included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Michel had publicly appealed to President Donald Trump for clemency.

He told TMZ, “I hope he turn an eye on me,” adding that he had “love for any president” and expressed trust in the process.

Michel also compared his legal situation to Trump’s conviction in a hush money case during the Biden-Harris administration.

The Hollywood Reporter previously stated that Trump was considering a possible pardon, though the White House declined to comment.

Michel’s representatives later said only that “all available options” were being explored.

Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued the sentence and ordered Michel to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

Prosecutors argued that sentencing guidelines recommended a life sentence, describing Michel as someone who “betrayed his country for money” and “lied unapologetically and unrelentingly to carry out his schemes.”

They wrote, “His sentence should reflect the breadth and depth of his crimes, his indifference to the risks to his country, and the magnitude of his greed.”

Defense attorney Peter Zeidenberg called the 14-year sentence “completely disproportionate to the offense” and confirmed that Michel will appeal.

Zeidenberg noted that other figures connected to similar matters received lighter penalties.

“Elliott Broidy was pardoned, George Higginbotham got 3 months’ probation, and Nicki Lum Davis received 24 months. Not to mention that DOJ has announced that FARA will no longer be prosecuted except where there is espionage involved – something not alleged here,” he said.

“There simply is no justification for Mr. Michel being singled out like this except for the penalty for opting for trial. We will appeal.”

Michel’s attorneys wrote in a separate filing that a life sentence would be an “absurdly high” punishment, arguing that such penalties are typically reserved for violent criminals.

They added, “The Government´s position is one that would cause Inspector Javert to recoil and, if anything, simply illustrates just how easily the Guidelines can be manipulated to produce absurd results.”

A spokesperson for Michel told the Daily Mail, “Throughout his career Pras has broken barriers. This is not the end of his story. He appreciates the outpouring of support as he approaches the next chapter.”

Michel has also been ordered to forfeit $64 million connected to the scheme.

Prosecutors said the broader influence operation sought to pressure U.S. officials to drop investigations into Low, who remains a fugitive.

Billboard reported that prosecutors said Michel “betrayed his country for money,” noting that comparable offenses often result in sentences of more than two decades.

Michel is scheduled to surrender on January 27.

Low, who has lived in China, helped finance the film “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

Michel’s attorneys wrote that Low’s motivation for providing funds was to obtain a photograph with then-President Obama.

In August 2024, a judge denied Michel’s request for a new trial, which partly argued that his previous attorney improperly used a generative AI program during closing arguments.

The court ruled those issues did not constitute a miscarriage of justice.

Michel also publicly supported rapper Tory Lanez, incorrectly suggesting a presidential pardon could affect the case, though Lanez’s conviction is under California’s jurisdiction.

Prosecutors said Michel received an estimated $88 million for his role in the scheme.

Michel rose to prominence in the 1990s as part of the Fugees alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, known for hits including “Killing Me Softly,” “Ready or Not,” and “Fu-Gee-La.”

The group disbanded in 1998, and Michel’s later attempts at reunions were overtaken by the legal case that now defines his public profile.


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