In a surprising turn of events, Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio became the first star witness in the trial of Pras Michel, a member of the 1990s hip-hop group Fugees who is facing criminal charges related to an alleged international fraud scheme. The trial is currently in its second week and could feature other prominent witnesses, including former White House chief of staff John Kelly, former national security advisor H.R. McMaster, and casino mogul Steve Wynn.
Federal prosecutors allege that Michel funneled money from Malaysian businessman and fugitive Jho Low to illegally contribute to President Barack Obama's 2012 reelection. Separately, Michel is also accused of conspiring with Low to lobby President Donald Trump's administration in 2017 to drop an investigation into Low's financial dealings and remove a Chinese dissident from the US.
DiCaprio is among many high-profile figures linked to Low, who has been accused of embezzling $4 billion from his country's sovereign wealth fund and remains at large. Authorities say Low used the stolen money to bankroll an extravagant lifestyle, including hosting lavish Hollywood parties, acquiring famous artwork and luxury real estate, supporting DiCaprio's charity foundation, and helping finance the 2013 film "The Wolf of Wall Street" that DiCaprio starred in. The 48-year-old actor is not accused of any criminal wrongdoing.
During his testimony, DiCaprio stated that he thought Low was a "successful businessman" who had been making global investments and that it's "somewhat" common to receive foreign funds to finance Hollywood movies. "I did not believe it was illegal," DiCaprio said in federal court in Washington, DC.
Prosecutors allege that Low and Riza Aziz, the stepson of Malaysia's former prime minister, provided $100 million to finance "The Wolf of Wall Street" through their production company Red Granite Pictures. DiCaprio thanked both of them during a Golden Globe awards acceptance speech for the movie in 2014.
The A-list celebrity told jurors that he met Low in 2010 at a "lavish birthday party" in Las Vegas, and the pair went on to remain in touch, traveling together and attending events across the world, including a New Year's Eve party in Australia and the World Cup in Brazil.
DiCaprio testified that at one point he talked about the 2012 election with Low, who had discussed contributing a massive $20 to $30 million to the Democratic Party. "Wow, that's a lot of money," DiCaprio recalled telling Low at the time.
Prosecutors allege that Michel channeled millions of dollars in payments from Low and covered up the source of that foreign money by using straw donors to contribute to Obama's reelection campaign. Michel faces several charges, including conspiring to make and conceal foreign campaign contributions and witness tampering.
It remains to be seen how the trial will unfold and what other information will be revealed about the alleged international fraud scheme. For now, all eyes are on DiCaprio and the other high-profile witnesses as they testify in court.
0 Comments