Leonardo DiCaprio began his Monday morning by testifying in a federal court for a money laundering case. The case involved famous rap star Pras who backed up the actor’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” film.
A few years ago, Fugees Rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel was hit with an international money laundering case. However, he pleaded not guilty. But that was merely the end of his legal woes.
Following details from The Department of Justice, Pras, who co-founded the group has been charged again. This time, he is accused of teaming up with a Malaysian national and development company.
According to the federal charges, Pras and Jho Low, a Malaysian financier, plotted the scheme. The men conspired with Nickie Lum Davis, Elliott Broidy. They planned to launder money through influence campaigns.
The rapper pumped money into Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign. Allegedly, he also tried to infiltrate the Trump administration. Their aim was to halt the embezzlement investigation into the illicit business.
But things have taken a new turn and it now involves Leonardo DiCaprio who recently testified in court. Though DiCaprio is not involved in the money laundering case, he shared a closeness with the accused.
Movie star Leonardo DiCaprio testified in federal court Monday morning as part of a trial involving international money laundering, bribery and a prominent rap artist.
https://t.co/jv9oQ6r5tt— KENS 5 (@KENS5) April 4, 2023
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Not Involved In Money Laundering Case But Testifies In Court
Leonardo DiCaprio’s court testimony hinted that the actor shares a connection with Low. The men met at a birthday bash in Las Vegas, in 2010. They formed a close bond and the accused became a primary financier for “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Before becoming friends, the “Titanic” star had seen Low backstage after a Fugees concert in the 1990s. At the time, the Malaysian had already established a reputation for throwing lavish parties across the globe. Low always had star-studded guests at these expensive parties.
One of the exquisite hangouts DiCaprio remembers vividly was when he jetted to Australia for New Year’s Eve. That same day, Low flew back to Las Vegas for another lavish event.
During the money laundering case, Leonardo DiCaprio said:
“I understood him to be a huge businessman with many different connections in Abu Dhabi and Malaysia.”
DiCaprio maintained a calm demeanor while answering the query in the witness box. Sources confirmed that he waded off some questions, especially when he was not sure of the date.
But one thing the actor made clear was how Low became a part of his film as a main investor. The businessman took interest in DiCaprio’s charitable foundation. He made some donations before providing finances for “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
He added:
“I was given the green light by my team as well as my studio. He was a legitimate business person wanting to invest in the movie.”
Apart from being a main investor, the men talked about business. The actor recalled when Low talked to him about funding Obama’s reelection campaign. DiCaprio was astounded by the magnanimous sum — about $30 million, which he told him.