OK, so here’s a scenario I think we’re all very familiar with: Big name celebrity gets in trouble, big name celebrity gets a finger waved at them, big name celebrity gets probation at worst. We’ve seen it time and time again and we all wonder why these stars are babied just because they’re known faces. Well, apparently one judge in Florida wasn’t having any of that and decided to make an example of Blade himself, Wesley Snipes.
U.S. News has even obtained letters sent from the likes of Denzel Washington, Woody Harrelson, and even TV Judges Joe Brown and Greg Mathis pleading with the Judge who’s residing over this case to be rightful and fair to Snipes.
Snipes was charged with failing to file his income tax returns; instead of getting a scolding, made to pay it back, told to be a good boy, and sent off on his way, he was sentenced to three years in prison — one for each year he didn’t file his taxes. Yes, that’s three (3) years — 36 months, 156 weeks, 1,095 days.
Now, here’s the thing. I like Wesley Snipes, but I’m glad to see that a celebrity isn’t getting let off easy for screwing up — even though I’d be shocked if he went past a year without being let out early and I bet he’ll be staying at some luxury, Hilton resort “containment” suite. But really, is this where the example should be made? I’m pretty sure many celebrities do a lot of stupid shit — drugs, drunk driving, hurting/killing people via drugs/drunk driving, assault, and countless others — that they very often only get scolded for and let off on probation… so why are they making an example of Wesley Snipes for “forgetting” about his taxes? I’m a tad confused here.
All in all, I think that they should all get exactly what any average Joe gets for any single thing, from jaywalking to murder. There should be no question here, no confusion — everyone should be treated and punished the same.
What does everyone think? Are they punishing Snipes for his crime, or just trying to show that celebrities get punished? Is this a good crime to use as an example? Discuss!
This calls for a Blade quote. “Mother fucker! Are you out of your damn mind?”
“I was born ready, motherfucker!” XD
Nah I think everybody should be treated the same way. But I’m not from the US, so I don’t know if it’s normal to sentence someone to three years for that kind of crime… and I think Snipes should not be treated more harsh, just because all the other celebs weren’t.
Too many ‘celebrities’ in England are getting off lightly over drug charges and such like, but Snipes will probably serve some time, and get off with ‘good behaviour’
Celebrities are NOT exempt from justice [even though money will pay the way out]
Normal blue-collar people have to feel the full extent of the law…celebrities should be treated the same.
It’s no wonder Snipes has been in Asia making movies to avoid Tax.
Trouble is, I like the actor!
Let’s step back from the whole celebrity thing for a second.
Putting someone in jail for not filing taxes? WTF? What else do they put you in jail for in America? Spitting on the street?
Maybe I’m an old softie here, but I would have expected the sentence to be taxes paid with interest and fines, not three years in the slam. A curiously harsh sentence for — let’s face it — a fairly minor offence.
i agree with cobolhacker