Shakira seals the deal in tax fraud case with Spanish authorities
Shakira has come to a settle her case of tax fraud with the Spanish authorities
Shakira settled her tax fraud case with the Spanish authorities, on the day the trial was set to begin.
According to Variety, the 46-year-old pop star was to face charges for tax fraud and due to appear in court on Monday. Spanish authorities claimed that from 2012 and 2014, Shakira owed tax over €14.5 million, as they alleged that Bahamas had been listed as her primary residence for those years while she had spent the majority of her time in Spain.
The Hips Don’t Lie singer repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and instead of accepting a settlement offer from the authorities in July 2022, she decided to take this case to trial.
In an official statement to Variety, the Colombian singer said, “Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others."
"That often means taking the extra step in business and personal financial decisions to procure the absolute best counsel, including seeking the advice of the world’s preeminent tax authorities such as PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, who advised me from the start, and subsequently Ernst & Young Global Limited," the Try Everything singer added.
Expressing her concerns, she continued, “Unfortunately, and despite these efforts, tax authorities in Spain pursued a case against me as they have against many professional athletes and other high-profile individuals, draining those people’s energy, time, and tranquility for years at a time.”
“While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favor, 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,” Shakira said, revealing the reason why she had decided to make a deal with the authorities instead of going to court.
The Beautiful Liar singer further added, “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."
Elaborating her career opportunities and ending her statement on a positive note, she revealed that she was "extremely excited" about the her upcoming album and world tour.
"I admire tremendously those who have fought these injustices to the end, but for me, today, winning is getting my time back for my kids and my career,” she concluded.
