Shakira has reached an agreement with the Spanish authorities in the tax fraud case.
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This Monday (20) was the first day of Shakira’s tax fraud trial in Barcelona. According to multiple outlets, the singer accepted the agreement. The agreement provides for a three-year suspended sentence and a fine of 7.5 million dollars.
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Shakira had been accused by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of six counts of tax fraud for failing to pay 14.5 million euros (15.8 million dollars) in income tax between 2012 and 2014, charges she denies. If found guilty, she could be sentenced to up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to 26 million dollars.
In a statement issued by her communications agency in Spain, Shakira said that she had settled the case for her children. “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”, explained the singer.
“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, including my upcoming world tour and my new album, both of which I am extremely excited about. 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 added.
She also maintained her innocence in the statement, saying “Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others”. Shakira also criticized tax authorities in Spain, and claimed that they “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”.