On the first day of her tax fraud trial in Barcelona, international pop star Shakira reached a deal with Spanish prosecutors. This agreement allows her to avoid the potential risk of a prison sentence.
The deal was made after Shakira confirmed her acknowledgment of six counts of failing to pay approximately $15.8 million in taxes to the Spanish government between 2012 and 2014. By answering “yes” to these charges, she has taken responsibility for her actions. Now, Miss Shakira isn’t getting away that fast as this deal does not absolve Shakira from any financial penalties or repercussions related to her unpaid taxes. Per her agreement, Shakira is to receive a suspended three-year sentence and a fine of 7 million euros ($7.6 million).
Shakira said in a statement provided by her public relations firm that she had wanted to fight on but put her family, career, and peace of mind first. “I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight,” she said. “I need to move past the stress and emotional toll of the last several years and focus on the things I love, my kids and all the opportunities to come in my career.”
More On The Case
As we previously reported, prosecutors in Barcelona alleged that the Colombian singer spent more than half of that period in Spain and should have been just as obligated to pay taxes on her worldwide income in the country… even though her official residence was still in the Bahamas.
The trial was expected to have more than 100 witnesses over the following weeks. However, after arriving it was called off after just eight minutes.
Speaking on the deal, defense lawyer Miriam Company told reporters: “This has been a difficult decision that took time to reach, a tough decision that is motivated by her desire to focus on raising of her children and her professional career.
“Her legal team had prepared the trial and were convinced we could demonstrate her innocence, but the circumstances changed and (Shakira) opted to accept the deal.”
This news serves as a reminder that even celebrities are subject to legal scrutiny and must fulfill their financial obligations.