BEIJING, Jun. 4 (Xinhuanet) — Richard Hatch, the first winner of CBS’ hit reality series “Survivor,” has appealed his tax-evasion conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court, media reported Tuesday.
Hatch was convicted two years ago of failing to pay taxes on the 1 million U.S. dollar prize he won on the debut season of the show. The Newport man is serving a four-year stint in federal lockup.
According to his brief filed with the Supreme Court on May 23, Hatch claims CBS promised to pay all taxes on his winnings as hush money after he discovered producers attempting to rig the game, but the original trial judge refused to let Hatch testify about it.
CBS has said Hatch’s claims have no merit.
Additionally, Hatch’s lawyer Michael Minns said the 47-year-old reality star wasn’t allowed to properly cross-examine the tax preparer who was a key witness for the government.
Hatch also was convicted of evading taxes on his earnings as co-host of a Boston radio show and from rental properties. He was acquitted of seven fraud charges related to a charity he planned to open for troubled youth.
(Agencies)
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