Colombian music sensation Shakira has agreed to pay a substantial fine of over €7.3 million ($7.98 million) in a deal with Spanish prosecutors, as disclosed by a Barcelona court on Monday. This arrangement spares her from facing trial over allegations of tax fraud, where prosecutors claimed she defrauded the Spanish state of approximately €14.5 million ($15.7 million) on income earned between 2012 and 2014. Shakira, aged 46, had consistently denied the charges, asserting that she only established full-time residency in Spain in 2015.
As part of the agreement announced at what would have been the commencement of her trial, Shakira has accepted a three-year suspended sentence and committed to paying a fine of €7.33 million ($7.98 million), equivalent to 50 percent of the unpaid tax amount. Additionally, she will incur a separate fine of €432,000 to suspend her potential jail sentence, bringing the total amount she is obligated to pay to approximately €7.8 million.
In a statement, the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer expressed that she settled with her children’s best interests in mind, emphasizing their desire not to witness their mother sacrificing her personal well-being in this legal battle. Shakira acknowledged the stress and emotional toll of recent years and conveyed her intention to shift focus to her children and upcoming career endeavors, including a world tour and a new album. Despite recognizing those who persist in fighting such injustices, she highlighted that, for her, winning meant reclaiming time for her family and career.
