Celebrities Who Thrived in Love Behind Bars

The Always On Time hitmaker received a two year prison sentence in December 2010 after pleading guilty to attempted possession of a weapon. 

Then in July 2011 he received an additional 28-month prison sentence for tax evasion after failing to pay tax on more than $3million in earnings between 2004 and 2006. 

He was eventually released from prison on May 7 2013. 

Later in 2024 Ja Rule was denied entry in the UK just days before his tour was due to start in Cardiff, with the star citing his criminal record as the reason for the refusal. 

Yet despite his dealings with the law, Ja Rule and his wife Aisha are still together and share three children. 

Celebrating 25 years of marriage in April, Aisha penned: 'Happy 25 year anniversary to my love @jarule here’s to many more years together and I love you with all my heart!'

Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy

Felicity Huffman was charged in 2019 for conspiracy to commit mail fraud after it was revealed she was wrapped up in the Varsity Blues scandal.

The actress spent 11 days in jail after bribing college officials $15,000 to fudge her daughter's SAT scores to get her into school. 

Following her release she was hit with a $30,000 fine, 250 hours of community service and was put on a year of probation. 

Felicity's husband William avoided charges as the evidence found showed that Felicity played a far more significant role. 

In December 2023, Felicity broke her silence on the Varsity Blues scandal as she told ABC that she thought it was 'a joke' when FBI agents turned up at her mansion to arrest her.

'They came into my home, they woke my daughters up at gunpoint - again, nothing new to the black and brown community - then they put my hands behind my back and handcuffed me.

'I asked if I could get dressed. I thought it was a hoax. I literally turned to one of the FBI people in a flak jacket and a gun and I go "is this a joke?"

Felicity said she regretted the scheme but felt she had no choice at the time because Sophia, who she previously said has a learning disability, would not have been accepted otherwise.

Now, Sophia is studying drama at Carnegie Mellon.

'It felt like I had to give my daughter a chance at a future. And so it was sort of like my daughter's future, which meant I had to break the law,' she said.

'I think I feel the people I owe a debt and an apology to is the academic community and to the students and the families that sacrifice and work really hard to get to where they are going legitimately.'

William stood by his wife throughout the scandal and even cheered her on as she made her return to TV five years after the scandal in 2024. 

Gushing about Felicity's role on the second season of Criminal Minds: Evolution he said: 'It was great! I went to visit her on the set a couple of times... and she had a great time.

'I think she did a great job, too. I'm really glad she's working,' he continued.

Wesley Snipe and Nikki Park 

Wesley was accused of failing to pay $15 million worth of taxes in the state of Florida and found guilty of failing to file tax returns in April 2008.

And as well as his wife Nikki Park, who he shares four children with, the actor was also supported by some of his famous friends, including Woody Harrelson and Denzel Washington, pleaded for his freedom.

Two-time Oscar winner Washington wrote to US District Court judge William Terrell Hodges asking that Snipes be spared a prison sentence.

'Wesley is like a mighty oak tree,' he penned, 'Many who know him have witnessed the fruit of his labors. I have sat in his shade and even been protected by his presence.'

Woody Harrelson, who said he had known Wesley for two decades and starred alongside him in the movie, Wildcats, said his friend was 'a true citizen of the world.'

'He strives for rightness in all his relations and it is an honor to call Wes my brother,' he said.

In spite of these pleas, Wesley was found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison. He attempted to appeal the sentence in July 2010, but to no avail.

Wesley spoke on Larry King Live the day before his sentence began in December 2010.

'We still have prayers out there. We still believe in miracles. So don't send me up the river yet,' he said.

He also clasped his hands together and urged viewers 'pray for me.'

But Wesley cautioned: 'I think any man would be nervous if his liberty is at stake.'

He added: 'Given the length of time that they are suggesting that I be away from my family, away from my profession, away from my ability to provide for my family and for those who have depended upon me to contribute to society... I think anyone would be nervous about that.'

The following day, he headed to jail. Despite issuing another appeal to the Supreme Court in 2011, it was turned down and he ended up serving 28 months.

Nikki collapsed in tears in the courthouse stairwell after the verdicts were announced. 

He was released in April 2013 and while he was able to return to acting with films like The Expendables 3, it was clear that his jail time took a toll on his career.