LATEST: Sources close to singer Lauryn Hill are concerned her rant against the Catholic Church was 'scripted' by her controversial spiritual advisor.

The former Fugees frontwoman hit headlines around the world when she launched into a vitriolic attack against corrupt priests in the church while performing at the Vatican on Saturday night (13DEC03).

Lauryn said, "I realise some of you may be offended by what I'm saying, but what do you say to the families who were betrayed by the people in whom they believed?

"God has been a witness to the corruption of his leadership, of the exploitation and abuses by the clergy."

But sources close to the EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING star have told gossip site THE SCOOP they believe her comments could have been influenced by Brother ANTHONY, a man whose teachings Hill has followed for three years.

Cult-watcher RICK ROSS says, "Like many people who become involved in cults, Lauryn Hill was at a low point in her life when she hooked up with Brother Anthony and she was very vulnerable.

"The question now is whether her speech at the Vatican her own, or, as many people have suggested, under the undue influence of Brother Anthony."

Hill's former bandmate Pras Michel told American magazine ROLLING STONE earlier this year (03), "I had a tape of (Brother Anthony's) teachings.

"It was some real cult sh*t. I couldn't believe that this dude was really serious."

18/12/2003 13:40