This is why you need an accountant, people. See, I’ve always been under the impression that filing an 8899a “Letter From Denzel Washington” or an 8899b “Letter From Woody Harrelson” form with the IRS would absolve one of any criminal wrongdoing associated with not paying millions of dollars in owed taxes over several years, but this does not appear to be the case. You see, despite very nice complimentary letters from White Men Can’t Jump co-star Woody Harrelson and Academy Award-winning co-star of Mo Better Blues Denzel Washington, it was the opinion of the US courts that Snipes must still serve 3 years in jail for his failure to pay almost $20 million in taxes. Justice is blind I guess, but still, how could they not have been moved by Woody’s harrowing tale of his experience with racism on the set of Goldie Hawn’s 1987 film Wildcats:

“I was, along with Goldie’s character, the only Caucasian associated with the team. A few of the folks on the production were followers of Louis Farrakhan. It was the first time I experienced racism towards me. This was challenging and what could have turned out to be an ugly situation turned out to be quite the opposite. Wes took the time to discuss and dissect the issue with all of us, and most of our free time on set together was spent discussing race from a historical perspective. He strives for rightness in all of his relations…”

Rightness in all his relations except remembering to pay taxes. But still, he was in Demolition Man – FREE WESLEY!