Wesley Snipes
The good word has just reached me that dynamic and explosive actor Wesley Snipes has just been released from prison a few days ago. I must admit I met the news with utter joy. Snipes first burst onto the scene with a very memorable debut in 1987, as a street tough 'heavy' in Michael Jackson's 'Bad' video, which was directed by Hollywood A-lister Martin Scorsese. At the time this unknown made his mark by abusing Michael in the short film in such a threatening manner, that we as fans felt frightened for Mike. Well I know I did.
After this beginning success soon followed in major movies with breakout roles in Spike Lee's 'Mo Better Blues', 'Jungle Fever' and the street basketball comedy 'White Men Can't Jump'. This respected actor soon found worldwide fame. His hit films included the black comic book vampire hunter, Blade, which translated into a hitmaking triology.
In the early 2000's Snipes found himself locked in a battle against the US government over non payment of back taxes. However, unlike many minor celebrities who brush up against the law for far more serious offences such as drunk driving but never receive any jail time (How can those pretty young things survive in such brutal conditions as prison?!! Yeah right!!!), Snipes found himself convicted in 2008 of tax charges. He was sentenced to 3 years in jail, and after appealing the decision and losing, was incarcerated in 2010.
He was finally released from a federal prison in Pennysylvania last Tuesday and placed under home confinement. He will be overseen by the New York Community Corrections Office until 19th July 2013.Snipes found himself in this situation as he was part of a group of people who believed the US government did not have the right to collect taxes. The case agsainst him was he had failed to send in any tax returns for over 10 years and he owed the government millions of dollars. Still what I do not understand is why send him to prison? Surely the government should be able to get some financial restitution from the man without taking away his freedom, and for so many years?!!! Maybe if he were a lot younger, female and a different colour, there may have been a different outcome. Who knows how the justice system works?!!! All I can say is welcome home brother!!!
After this beginning success soon followed in major movies with breakout roles in Spike Lee's 'Mo Better Blues', 'Jungle Fever' and the street basketball comedy 'White Men Can't Jump'. This respected actor soon found worldwide fame. His hit films included the black comic book vampire hunter, Blade, which translated into a hitmaking triology.
In the early 2000's Snipes found himself locked in a battle against the US government over non payment of back taxes. However, unlike many minor celebrities who brush up against the law for far more serious offences such as drunk driving but never receive any jail time (How can those pretty young things survive in such brutal conditions as prison?!! Yeah right!!!), Snipes found himself convicted in 2008 of tax charges. He was sentenced to 3 years in jail, and after appealing the decision and losing, was incarcerated in 2010.
He was finally released from a federal prison in Pennysylvania last Tuesday and placed under home confinement. He will be overseen by the New York Community Corrections Office until 19th July 2013.Snipes found himself in this situation as he was part of a group of people who believed the US government did not have the right to collect taxes. The case agsainst him was he had failed to send in any tax returns for over 10 years and he owed the government millions of dollars. Still what I do not understand is why send him to prison? Surely the government should be able to get some financial restitution from the man without taking away his freedom, and for so many years?!!! Maybe if he were a lot younger, female and a different colour, there may have been a different outcome. Who knows how the justice system works?!!! All I can say is welcome home brother!!!
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