Fugees rapper Pras Michel underwent emergency surgery for colon cancer removal on Thursday (Aug. 28), leading to the postponement of a crucial court hearing following his conviction on illegal foreign lobbying and conspiracy charges.

Michel was initially scheduled to appear in court on Friday (Aug. 29) for a hearing regarding the amount of money he must forfeit to the government due to his 2023 convictions. However, in a filing last month, his lawyers indicated that he had “experienced a significant medical concern” preventing his appearance.

In a statement to Billboard on Monday, Michel’s spokeswoman Erica Dumas explained that doctors had discovered colon cancer in Michel during a routine checkup.

“Pras missed Friday’s sentencing hearing while undergoing emergency surgery for colon cancer removal,” Dumas stated. “We stand with him and his family and wish him a full recovery as he addresses this serious health matter.”

The artist is “recovering right now until he is in the clear and focused on spending time with his family ahead of sentencing,” Dumas added, “He still remains hopeful for his future.”

Comprised of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Michel, the Fugees gained fame in the 1990s with hits like “Killing Me Softly,” “Ready or Not,” and “Fu-Gee-La.” After their split in 1998, the three pursued successful solo careers and largely remained apart until recent years when they attempted multiple reunion tours.

In 2019, Michel faced extensive federal criminal charges over allegations that he funneled money from now-fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low, the mastermind behind the 1MDB embezzlement scandal, to Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign. He was also accused of attempting to obstruct a Justice Department investigation into the scheme and trying to influence an extradition case on behalf of China during the Trump administration.

In April 2023, after a trial that included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Michel was convicted on ten counts including conspiracy, witness tampering, and failing to register as an agent of China.

Prosecutors are seeking a lengthy prison sentence, arguing that Michel “betrayed his country for money.” His lawyers have requested a significantly lighter sentence of 36 months, which they argue would be a “just sentence in this case.” A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

The hearing originally set for Friday was intended to determine forfeiture — the process of turning over ill-gotten gains following criminal convictions. The federal government is seeking an astonishing $64,923,226 from Pras; his lawyers have described this amount as “grossly disproportionate to the offenses of conviction.”

Federal prosecutors agreed to postpone Friday’s hearing due to Michel’s health issues. A new date has been set for Oct. 3.