Pras Michel Claims Lawyer Used AI to Draft Closing Argument in Conspiracy Case

Pras Michel, a member of the Fugees, wants a new trial for his federal conspiracy case. He says his former lawyer, David Kenner, did a bad job and even used an AI program to write his closing argument.

Michel was found guilty of 10 counts of conspiracy and falsifying records in April. He was involved in a scheme to influence the U.S. government with money from a Malaysian financier, Jho Low, who is accused of stealing billions from his country. Michel denies the charges and says he did nothing wrong.

His new lawyers say Kenner hired inexperienced contract attorneys to do most of the work, did not know the relevant laws, and did not object to harmful testimony. They also say Kenner used an AI program to write the closing argument, which was confusing and weak. They claim Kenner had a financial stake in the AI program and used Michel's trial as a way to promote it, which was a conflict of interest. Kenner did not comment on these allegations.

Michel's lawyers also say the jury heard improper evidence from two judges and a case agent who said Michel was guilty. They say this made the jury biased and they did not give Michel a fair trial.

Michel's case is linked to his friendship with Jho Low, who wanted to avoid prosecution in the U.S. Michel allegedly gave money from Low to Obama's 2012 campaign and tried to lobby Trump's administration to help Low. Michel told Rolling Stone that he had no reason to break the laws and that he lost many friends because of the case.