Lauryn Hill appeared in federal court yesterday where she was sentenced to serve three months behind bars for failing to pay nearly $1 million in taxes over the last ten years. Before her sentencing, Lauryn spoke out in her own defense, comparing what she went through during her music career to the slavery her ancestors were subject to years ago.
“I am a child of former slaves who had a system imposed on them,” Lauryn said after taking the stand in front of U.S. Magistrate Madeline Cox Arleo. “I had an economic system imposed on me.”
According to Lauryn, the reason she didn’t pay her taxes was because she was forced to drop out of the music industry in order to protect herself and her children. For whatever reason, Lauryn felt as though she and her family were no longer safe in the spotlight, and because she had to quit, her lack of income led to financial hardships.
“There were veiled threats, there was blacklisting,” Lauryn explained. “I was told, ‘That’s how it goes, it comes with the territory.’ I came to be perceived as a cash cow and not a person. When people capitalize on a persona, they forget there is a person in there.”
Because of her failure to pay, Lauryn was facing 3 years behind bars. Her attorney, Nathan Hochman, tried to get the judge to agree to probation, arguing that Lauryn’s charity work and family situation should be reason enough to keep her out of jail. Unfortunately, the judge wasn’t on board. Lauryn’s arguments were labeled “a parade of excuses centering around her feeling put upon,” and she was sentenced to three months in the slammer.
While Lauryn has paid more than $900,000 in the last few days, she still owes a substantial amount in penalties and fines and must also pay an addition $60,000 as part of her sentence.
Just last month, Lauryn confirmed that she has signed a deal with Sony Entertainment. “She is looking forward to putting her case behind her and getting back to her music and creating again,” her attorney said.
Lauryn was first arrested for the tax evasion in August of 2012. At that time, she criticized the music industry:
“Over-commercialization and its resulting restrictions and limitations can be very damaging and distorting to the inherent nature of the individual. I did not deliberately abandon my fans, nor did I deliberately abandon any responsibilities, but I did however put my safety, health and freedom and the freedom, safety and health of my family first over all other material concerns! I also embraced my right to resist a system intentionally opposing my right to whole and integral survival.”
Lauryn has been ordered to begin her sentence by July 8. Once released, Lauryn will be on supervised parole for one year and will serve the first three months under house arrest.
Top Photo: Johnny Louis/WENN.com
