"AI Used for Clumsy Defense... Let's Retrial," Famous US Rapper Says

Hip-Hop Group 'Fugees' Pras Michel
Criticized Former Lawyer After Guilty Verdict

Famous American rapper Pras Michel (50) requested a retrial in April, claiming that his lawyer used artificial intelligence (AI) during the closing argument in the criminal trial where he was found guilty.

Pras Michel
Photo by AFP News Agency

According to reports by Fox News and others on the 17th (local time), Michel's new legal team argued that his former lawyer, David Kenner, relied on AI during the trial and provided ineffective legal assistance, thus demanding that the trial be reopened.

Michel's new attorney from ArentFox Schiff stated about the draft submitted by the former lawyer, "He used an experimental AI program to prepare the draft, ignoring the best arguments and confusing the charges," adding, "He boasted that he completed time-consuming legal work in seconds using AI."

They also claimed that Kenner appeared to have a financial interest in the AI program used during the trial and that he experimented with AI in Michel's case to promote the program.

The AI suspected to have been used during the trial is called 'iLevel.' A press release issued in May reportedly featured Michel's photo along with the statement, "Made history as the first to use generative AI in a federal trial." It also cited Kenner referring to the AI as an "absolute game changer for complex litigation."

Michel was previously a member of The Fugees, a popular hip-hop trio in the 1990s. He became known in Korea for participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge in Pyongyang.

Michel faced trial in April on 10 felony charges, including allegations of arranging for foreigners to donate to former U.S. President Barack Obama's re-election campaign. He was found guilty on all charges, and the sentencing date has not yet been set.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.