Jimmy Carr apologises over tax scheme: 'I've made a terrible error'
Published Jun 21 2012, 08:49 BST | By Tom Eames
© PA Images
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the British comedian was the biggest beneficiary of the K2 scheme, which saw tax sheltered in Jersey.
In a statement released on Twitter, Carr told his followers that he had made an "error of judgement", and that he is no longer part of the practice.
He wrote: "I appreciate as a comedian, people will expect me to 'make light' of this situation, but I'm not going to in this statement as this is obviously a serious matter.
"I met with a financial advisor and he said to me, 'Do you want to pay less tax? It's totally legal.' I said 'Yes.'
"I now realise I've made a terrible error of judgement."
He added: "Although I've been advised the K2 Tax scheme is entirely legal, and has been fully disclosed to HMRC [Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs], I'm no longer involved in it and will in future conduct my financial affairs much more responsibly. Apologies to everyone."
Prime Minister David Cameron has described Carr's actions as "morally wrong".
Watch Jimmy Carr's 2011 sketch about tax avoidance on 10 O'Clock Live below:
so, what has the nation been talking about this week?
June 22nd 2012 at 12:16am(+1 like)
His money, his business and I can't say I wouldn't be tempted to do the same.
June 21st 2012 at 11:54pm
He paid an accountant to look after his tax afairs who found a legal way to reduce his tax. This legal way to reduce tax became law because politicians made the law so They paid minimum amounts of tax. Wots good for Mp's is good for comedians and every one else.
June 21st 2012 at 11:54pm
Two Faced Hypocrite, What he did was not illegal , but shows how much (or little) backbone he has to grovel an apology, thinking only of his future ratings.
June 21st 2012 at 11:00pm
I already am doing this and will not be apologising it is NOT ILLEGAL i earn my money and do not believe in giving it to a country that wastes it away on rubbish they tax us for everything smoking drinking working hard all the people on here moaning about how his in the wrong are talking utter nonsense and as for cameron his doing exactly the same wonder how much tax he pays and lets be honest biggest tax dodgers and benefit scroungers in this country is the royal family
June 21st 2012 at 8:56pm(+1 like)
it might not be ilegal, but then again, neither is adultery. however, both are morally wrong. we all work hard, and we all should pay our taxes. these provide us with fantastic services such as FREE health care, and the emergency services. you should count yourself lucky to live in a democracy, and I suggest you start paying your way for the privilege
June 21st 2012 at 11:12pm
the free health care is rubbish , emergency services shambles why should we work hard to pay it out if i wanted such services then we should be entitled to pay for them when and only WHEN needed we should not be forced to have to hand over our money that WE WORK HARD TO EARN
June 21st 2012 at 11:15pm
and it is not FREE like you say they taxing us for it :/
June 21st 2012 at 11:19pm