In a recent development, the famous Colombian singer, Shakira, has opted for a settlement to resolve the legal charges against her. She agreed to accept the charges and agreed to pay a fine amounting to more than 7.3 million euros, which is half of the outstanding amount of 14.5 million euros. This decision comes as Shakira’s attempt to avoid a lengthy trial in Barcelona. She justified her failure to pay the Spanish income tax between 2012 and 2014, stating that it was due to personal circumstances.
In a move that took into account personal and emotional considerations, Shakira has agreed to pay a fine of over 7.3 million euros, which amounts to half of the amount she owed. The decision was made during the first hearing of her trial, where she also accepted an additional fine of 438,000 euros in order to avoid a three-year prison sentence. Through a statement issued by her Spanish communication agency, Shakira explained that her choice to settle the matter was driven by personal, emotional, and sentimental reasons rather than legal ones. She expressed her willingness to defend her innocence, but ultimately decided to prioritize her career and her children. Shakira reflected on the idea that winning is not truly a victory if it comes at the expense of losing many years of one’s life.
“Have you acknowledged the information and agree to the newly proposed penalties?” inquired Judge Jose Manuel del Amo Sanchez as the trial began.
“Yes,” replied Shakira softly, dressed in a pink suit that matched her pink handbag.
Just before the trial commenced, she arrived with her lawyers, causing a media frenzy and garnering support from some fans outside.
Seville awarded Shakira with two Latin Grammy awards on Thursday night.
Earlier, the renowned singer of “Hips Don’t Lie” had pledged to combat what she deemed to be false allegations, as she also faces another tax fraud investigation in Spain.
The prosecutors were aiming for a sentence of up to eight years in jail and wanted Shakira to repay the taxes she allegedly owes. They claimed that Shakira had spent more than 50% of each year in Spain, making her a resident of the country. The prosecutors also pointed out that her property purchase in Barcelona in May 2012 was used as a family home. Outside the courthouse, one of Shakira’s lawyers, Miriam Company, mentioned that while the ruling seemed to recognize the facts, it appeared to be influenced by personal matters. She further added that the legal team was confident in proving Shakira’s innocence, but the circumstances had changed.
Shakira, who is 46 years old and known by her full name Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, spent 11 years living with former Barcelona and Spain soccer star Gerard Pique. The couple, who have two children together, ended their relationship and Shakira relocated to Miami. Spanish authorities have been actively pursuing various high-profile celebrities for tax evasion, including soccer players like Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, Lionel Messi from Argentina, and Diego Costa, who holds dual citizenship with Brazil and Spain. These players, along with many others, chose to settle their cases by paying significant fines. However, Xabi Alonso, the coach of Bayer Leverkusen, took a different approach and decided to go to trial. Surprisingly, he emerged victorious as Spain’s Supreme Court recently upheld his acquittal, thereby clearing his name from any wrongdoing.
