Legendary rapper, Earl Simmons aka DMX on Thursday, turned himself in to authorities on federal charges of tax fraud.
According to New York prosecutors, the recording artist allegedly engaged in a multi-year scheme to hide millions of dollars in income from authorities and owes $1.7 million in taxes.
Acting Manhattan US Attorney Joon Kim said the performer took in millions from his performances, television shows and songs — including the 2003 hit “X Gon’ Give it to Ya” — but evaded paying taxes on his earnings by “avoiding personal bank accounts, setting up accounts in other’s names and paying personal expenses largely in cash.”
“Celebrity rapper or not, all Americans must pay their taxes,” Kim said in a statement.
“We will pursue those who deliberately and criminally evade this basic obligation of citizenship.
“For years, Earl Simmons, the recording artist and performer known as DMX, made millions from his chart-topping songs, concert performances and television shows.
“But while raking in millions from his songs, including his 2003 hit ‘X Gon’ Give it to Ya,’ DMX didn’t give any of it to the IRS,” U.S. Kim added in a statement.”
Following his arrest the 46-year-old — known for his deep, rough voice and often dark or violent lyrics — is due to appear Friday in Manhattan federal court.
The Nigerian government recently announced that it would go after celebrities in the entertainment industry who fail to pay taxes on earnings from their performances.
Are we likely to see the arrest of some of Nollywood stars, very soon?
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