Shakira Settles Spanish Tax Fraud Case ‘with the Best Interest of My Kids at Heart’

Shakira has agreed to a settlement in a multimillion-dollar tax dispute with Spanish authorities.

On the first day of her tax fraud trial Monday in Barcelona, ​​the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer told presiding judge José Manuel del Amo that she accepted the deal, according to multiple media outlets including the BBC, The New York Times and the Associated Press.

Her deal comes with three years probation and a $7.5 million fine. Prosecutors have charged the Colombian singer with six counts of tax fraud for failing to pay 14.5 million euros ($15.8 million) in income taxes between 2012 and 2014, charges she continues to deny. She faced up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $26 million if found guilty.

In a lengthy statement obtained by PEOPLE, the 46-year-old said she settled the case for the sake of her children.

“Although I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my attorneys were confident would rule in my favor, I made the decision to finally settle this matter in the best interest of my children who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight “, she said.

Shakira is testifying at the Provincial Court in Barcelona on the first day of her trial for allegedly defrauding Spanish tax officials of €14.5 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014.

High Court of Justice of Catalonia/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

“I need to let go of the stress and emotional burden of the last few years and focus on the things I love — my kids and all the opportunities coming up in my career, including my upcoming world tour and my new album, both of which I’m extremely excited about,” she added. I have great admiration for those who fought this injustice to the end, but for me today the victory is getting back time for my children and my career.”

Shakira shares hugs and promises with sons Sasha and Milan as they join her at the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards.

However, Shakira maintained her innocence in her statement. “Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to do what’s right and set a positive example for others,” she said.

The star also criticized the tax authorities in Spain, who she claimed had “launched a case against me as they have against many professional athletes and other high-profile individuals, draining these people of their energy, time and peace of mind for years.”

Milan Pique, Shakira and Sasha Pique at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in September 2023.

Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty

Central to the case was Shakira’s stay between 2012 and 2014, according to The New York Times. Prosecutors claim Spain was her main residence, but she listed it as elsewhere to avoid paying taxes. According to Spanish law, people who spend more than six months in the country are considered residents for tax purposes.

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In July, prosecutors claimed that Shakira bought a house in the Spanish city of Barcelona in 2012, which became a family home for her and her then-partner, Barcelona soccer player Gerard Piqué, reports AP.

Piqué and Shakira announced that they are separating in June 2022, and they also have sons Milan (9) and Sasha (7).

Shakira arrives for her tax fraud trial at the High Court of Justice of Catalonia in Barcelona on Monday.

PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images

According to the BBC, in a separate case in 2019, a Spanish national court fined Piqué €2.1 million for tax evasion between 2008 and 2010.

“The Spanish tax authorities saw that I was dating a Spanish citizen and they started drooling. It’s clear that they wanted to go after that money no matter what,” Shakira told Ella magazine in September 2022.

She also protested her innocence in the magazine, “I have to fight for what I believe in; because these are false accusations,” she said.

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Source: HIS Education