Method Man charged with tax evasion

US rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man turned himself in to police yesterday morning, to be charged with tax evasion.

The rapper, whose real name is Clifford Smith, reported to Staten Island police station. He is accused of failing to file or pay New York state income tax between 2004 and 2007 and owes an estimated $33,000 (£20,730) in arrears.

District attorney Daniel Donovan said: "Taxes are the burden that all citizens share in a civil society, whether you are an 'average Joe' on the street or a high-profile rap artist.

"Failure to properly report and pay your taxes is a crime against all citizens and will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted. Because of the alleged action of people like Mr Smith, law-abiding citizens face higher taxes and reduced government services."

Smith told the State Island Advance: "It’s a miscommunication that will be resolved in the near future."

Previously, Smith blamed his tax issues on chronic marijuana use. "Myself, I'm a pothead," he told the New York Daily News in March. "It's no secret. Everyone knows that. I go on the road and forget everything else."

Smith could now face up to four years in prison.