Latest Black Celebrity in Financial Trouble: Grace Jones

Legendary singer Grace Jones is known for her special brand of fierce and unique black womanhood, but unfortunately she is currently making headlines for having difficulty paying her taxes. And like fellow songstress Kelly Rowland, the IRS is coming after their cash by filing a tax lien against her in New York. The Detroit News reports:

The old jumping off the Eiffel Tower trick worked against James Bond, but Lady Gaga-inspiring, Ivan Drago-dating, Conan-the-Destroyer-battling actress/singer Grace Jones can't escape the IRS, which claims the New Wave singer owes almost $64,000 in delinquent taxes.

What's owed:

The IRS filed a $63,898 tax lien against Jones Oct. 29 with the New York City Register's Office.

(Via BET)

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Grace Jones
As one of the definitive icons of the 1980's, Grace Jones' androgynous style helped define a decade. The 5'10 " actress, model, and singer was a willing muse for many an artist. This 1983 photo of her in this Japanese-inspired outfit is true to her edgy and frankly scary style.

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Andre Leon Talley
With no fear of color or ostentatious design, the 6'8" mammoth editor-at-large of 'Vogue' proudly and unabashedly wears whatever he desires. In this picture, his large and intricate silk kimono is upstaged only by his equally large patent-leather "pilgrim" shoes.

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Lil' Kim
One of the first females to push the envelope of sexuality in hip-hop, Queen B has had an equally boisterous presence on the fashion scene. Whether it be revealing chain-link bustiers or painted-on outfits with breasts covered only by a pasty, she has done it all. Pictured here is a more modern (and decidedly less brazen) Kim as she sports this metallic green getup.

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T-Pain
T-Pain has established himself as the king of cameos with his signature "autotune" vocals. And with a sound so unique, it would only make sense that his style be just as flagrant, leading the blonde-tipped, dread-locked singer to wear interesting variations of his signature top hot. Only a true ringmaster (as he likes to refer to himself ) could conceive of such a brilliant outfit.

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Janelle Monae
With a distinctive style and excellent vocals to match, this Kansas City singer and recent P. Diddy protege is slowly but surely creating her own niche in music. Waist-high pants, knee-high socks, a Colonel Sanders tie, a top heavy hair style and two-tone leather bowling shoes can be quite an unusual combination.

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Zoe Kravitz
The offspring of two of the most eccentric people in Hollywood, parents Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, Zoe was seemingly destined to come into her own eccentricity at some point. A fan of the whole grungy, hole-in-the shoe vibe, she rarely disappointments with her simple yet intriguing fashion derelict sense.

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Teyana Taylor
This young Harlem rapstress and singer has been making noise since 2007 when she appeared on MTV's Super Sweet 16. Now a Pharrell protege and a new signee to his label Star Trak Entertainment, she has been making her rounds as a fashionista with her punk-meets-hip-hop style and exceedingly large Afro.

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Michael Jackson
No this not a picture of a Muslim woman in Saudi Arabia. It is actually none other than the King of Pop himself. Perhaps more than anyone else, MJ is the embodiment of an eccentric. Evolving from his more traditional garb of admiral jackets and white silk shirts, Michael has taken to wearing pajama bottoms and full-body coverings such as the one pictured here.

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Andre J
Defining himself as unconfined by gender and social conventions, NYC muse Andre J is making an indelible mark in fashion. He can often be seen with a wig, a fashionable dress and... a beard. Here he poses at event with blond wig and his grizzly facial curtain in full effect.

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Andre 3000
Perhaps hip-hop's most refreshingly different innovators, Andre 3000 veers far from convention as he favors a variety of digs, from space boots to orange slacks to even this unexplainable, possibly native American-inspired design. Coupled with his eccentric taste is his uncanny ability to look impeccably fashionable in any situation.

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This is an interesting revelation given the recent trend of black celebrities falling prey to the investigative division of the IRS. In addition to black stars being punished publicly for what seem like minor tax problems in record numbers, a new report by an independent research firm shows that blacks and Latinos are much more likely than whites to be audited and prosecuted over tax issues. Much of the cause of these issues for average black and Latino filers stems from our folks not having the money to pay to have one's taxes done correctly. Perhaps this is an issue that even affects wealthy black stars, whose financial management costs can be quite high when you imagine the price tag of a high-powered accountant. And even an expensive money manager can slip up.

In addition, the IRS is going to ensure in future months that the tax returns of prisoners come under more scrutiny. That might not affect many people, but it's part of a pattern that makes one things clear.

It must really be worth it to have a professional prepare your taxes if you are black -- and to have another professional check that professional. Because the chances are higher that you will be singled out, pursued by the government and perhaps even publicly shamed if you don't. Saving a few hundred dollars by doing your taxes yourself, or not finding the best preparer, can't possibly be worth it. Both the IRS and the press seem to enjoy "making an example" of black stars. Don't let the IRS make an example of you.