Ruben Studdard owes government $200,000

“American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard must pay back nearly $200,000 in federal and local taxes. The singer’s properties have been hit with liens, according to court records after Studdard reportedly failed to make payments dating to 2003. It was in ‘03 when Studdard won $1 million on the hit reality talent competition. He later sued a former manager for allegedly mishandling funds. Studdard was awarded a settlement.

Filmmaker finds funds in Dubai

Filmmaker Spike Lee says the Middle Eastern territory of Dubai is good for more than providing Michael Jackson refuge outside the region in November to scout financial resources. “There is a ton of money in Dubai, so I’ve gotta get on a plane. I gotta start making connections,” Lee tells Emirates Business. “I don’t want to be in a position where if I want to do a film and the Hollywood studios don’t want to make it, then it doesn’t get made. I gotta know that ‘no’ can’t be a final ‘no.’ I gotta go to other sources of finance.” Lee says credit for bankrolling movies in America is drying up. The director has been a pioneer among contemporary independent Black filmmakers since the late 1980s.

Actor seeks permission to leave the country, despite bond

Saying he needs to visit London and Bangkok to work on two films, actor Wesley Snipes wants a court that let him go free on bail to let him leave the country. Snipes was convicted this year on charges of failing to file tax returns and appeared headed to prison. But lawyers convinced a judge that he should be free while appealing the decision. The “Blade” trilogy star is hoping to sit in on editing for “Gallowwalker” and to film “Chasing the Dragon.” Meanwhile, prosecutors recently argued that he should be put in custody, let alone having his terms of bail relaxed.

A former “American Idol” gets married at Alabama church.
Ruben Studdard is a married man after exchanging vows in Alabama this past weekend. The former “American Idol,” who’s set to release a CD this year, wed Surata Zuri McCants in a 30-minute ceremony outside his hometown Birmingham. There was no singing during the program, only quiet string performances. Studdard and McCants were spotted together taking out a marriage license earlier this month.

Kanye West’s mom owed $600 G’s
Rapper Kanye West has been issued a court order demanding that he pay his late mother’s debts, including $600,000 on the Illinois condo she owned. As the executor of Dr. Donda West’s estate, the rapper is responsible for his parent’s outstanding bills. In related news, Dr. Jan Adams, the cosmetic surgeon who operated on Dr. West before her death, was recently arrested on suspicion of DUI. Adams allegedly tried to enter a California freeway by driving onto the off ramp.