Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Lauryn Hill Sentencing Postponed

Sentencing in the federal tax evasion case against singer Lauryn Hill, who rose to fame as part of The Fugees and for her 1998 solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, was adjourned Monday until May 6 after a dispute arose over how much she actually owes.

According to South Orange Patch, the 37-year-old singer pleaded guilty in June 2012 to failing to pay taxes on $1.8 million in income earned in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The eight-time Grammy winner earned most of that income from music and film royalties and also owned at least four businesses. 

Sitting in Newark federal court, Judge Madeline Cox Arleo took Hill to task for failing to pay off the more than $500,000 in federal taxes she owes despite earlier promises to do so before her sentencing Monday. Arleo also noted that Hill has millions of dollars in real-estate equity and an income stream from royalties, as well as money coming from a recording contract she recently signed with Sony.

Hill’s attorney Nathan Hochman said, however, that Hill had actually made a $50,000 payment towards her balance and will soon pay back the rest with funds from a loan.

Hochman asked the judge to adjourn the sentencing a few more weeks, arguing that Hill did not receive a $1 million payment from the recording contract because she failed to produce the five songs that were required under the deal.

Since her late 90s heyday, Hill has concentrated on raising her six children, five of whom she had with Rohan Marley, son of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley.

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