METHOD MAN - METHOD MAN BLAMES TAX ARREST ON "LAZINESS"

METHOD MAN BLAMES TAX ARREST ON "LAZINESS"

Rapper/actor METHOD MAN blames laziness for his failure to file income tax returns for three years, insisting he has learned a lesson from his headline-grabbing arrest.
The Wu-Tang Clan rapper surrendered to police on Monday (5Oct09) and was charged with tax evasion after withholding $32,799 (£21,870) in taxes for the period 2004 to 2007.
In his first interview since he was arraigned near his Staten Island, New York home, Method Man - real name Clifford Smith - admits he is completely at fault and urges others to learn from his mistake.
Smith tells radio DJ Big Tigger, "When you don't file, that's what happens. I'm learning my lesson. You've got to file.
"You can't be waiting for the last minute. And I hadn't spoken to my CPA (accountant) in three or four years."
But the star is keen to correct media reports he was arrested for failing to pay his taxes - because he's now handed over the cash.
He adds, "I don't like things being blown out of proportion. Let's be clear. I didn't get arrested for not paying them. I got arrested for not filing. It's not a money thing, because I paid it."
The rapper is due back in court on 9 December (09). He faces a felony charge of repeated failure to file personal income and earnings tax and could be jailed for up to four years.