"Survivor" winner, Richard Hatch appeals tax conviction to Supreme Court

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - "Survivor" winner Richard Hatch is appealing his tax evasion conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Hatch was convicted two years ago of failing to pay taxes on the $1 million prize he won on the debut season of the hit CBS reality series. The Newport man is currently serving a 51-month prison sentence.

Hatch's lawyer, Michael Minns, has said his client confronted the producers about cheating during taping of the show, and a producer promised him his taxes would be paid if he kept quiet and went on to win the competition.

Minns argues in a brief to the Supreme Court last week that the judge improperly prevented Hatch from testifying about that conversation. CBS has said Hatch's claims have no merit.

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