“For my children”: Shakira settles tax fraud case after being sentenced to 8 years in prison if convicted
BARCELONA, SPAIN: Shakira reached a settlement over her high-profile tax with Spanish authorities on the first day of her trial on Monday (November 20) in Barcelona.
According to ET Online, the Colombian pop sensation told presiding magistrate José Manuel del Amo that she accepted the deal which includes a three-year suspended sentence and a hefty fine of $7.5 million.
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What were the accusations against Shakira?
The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer was charged with six counts of tax fraud for allegedly failing to pay $15.8 million in income taxes between 2012 and 2014.
If convicted, she could have faced up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $26 million.
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Shakira says she agreed to settle her children’s affair
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After Monday’s trial, Shakira shared the decision to settle her children’s case.
“Although I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favor, I made the decision to finally resolve this matter in the best interest of my children who don’t want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight,” she said.
“I need to move past the stress and emotional weight of the last few years and focus on the things I love: my children and all the opportunities available to me in my career, including my upcoming world tour and my new album, which I’m extremely excited about.”
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“I greatly admire those who fought these injustices until the end, but for me, today, winning means getting back time for my children and my career,” said the 46-year-old.
Shakira maintains her innocence in tax fraud case
Although Shakira agreed to settle the matter, she maintained her innocence. “Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what is right and set an example for others,” the singer said.
She further criticized the Spanish tax authorities, saying they “took action against me as they had against many professional athletes and other high-profile figures, draining the energy, time and peace of these people for years.”
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According to prosecutors, Shakira’s primary residence was in Spain, but she listed it as elsewhere to avoid paying taxes between 2012 and 2014.
Under Spanish law, individuals staying more than six months in Spain are considered tax residents.
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