No Lion King Welcome: Lebo M’s US Passport Roars with Revocation Woes
Renowned South African producer and The Lion King composer Lebo M has had his US passport revoked over tax issues.
Lebo M, who is famous for his work on The Lion King musical and film, has been living in the US since 1993 and became a naturalised citizen in 2000.
Why Lebo M’s US Passport Was Revoked
According to a statement from the Consulate General, Lebo M failed to file his tax returns for the past five years and owes more than R35 million (US$2 million) in unpaid taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The statement also said that Lebo M’s passport was revoked as a result of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which authorises the IRS to certify taxpayers who have a seriously delinquent tax debt of more than R883 000 (US$50,000) to the State Department for passport revocation or denial.
Composer’s Camp Responds
Lebo M has not commented on the matter yet, but his lawyer, Thabo Malatji, confirmed that his client received a notice from the Consulate General informing him of the passport revocation.
Malatji said that Lebo M is currently in South Africa and is working with his US-based tax consultants to resolve the issue as soon as possible. He also said that Lebo M is not facing any criminal charges or penalties from the IRS but only civil liabilities.
Lebo M’s Upcoming Reality Show
Lebo M’s passport revocation comes at a time when he is preparing for the launch of his reality show, Lebo M: Coming Home, which will air on Showmax in November.
The show will follow his personal and professional life as he returns to South Africa after spending more than two decades in the US. The show will also feature his family, friends and colleagues, including his ex-wife Angela Ngani-Casara, his current wife Malefu Morake and his children.
Lebo M is one of the most successful and influential South African artists in the world. He has won several awards and accolades for his musical contributions to The Lion King franchise, including a Grammy, a Tony and an Oscar nomination.