Shakira Resolves Tax Fraud Case with Spanish Authorities Ahead of Trial
International pop star, Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known professionally as Shakira, has reached a settlement with Spanish authorities in her high-profile tax fraud case.
The agreement was disclosed just hours before the commencement of her scheduled trial for alleged tax evasion on Monday.
In the lawsuit, it was asserted that Shakira owed over 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in taxes for income earned between 2012 and 2014. Despite listing the Bahamas as her primary residence during this period, prosecutors contended that she spent the majority of her time in Spain.
Had she been found guilty in the trial, the singer could have faced over eight years in prison and fines totaling €24.5 million.
Under the terms of the settlement, Shakira is obligated to pay a €7.3 million ($8 million) fine, accompanied by a suspended three-year sentence.
Shakira, who has consistently proclaimed her innocence since the onset of the lawsuit, rejected a previous deal offered by prosecutors in July 2022, insisting on proving her innocence in a trial.
In a statement to Variety magazine on Monday, Shakira expressed confidence in her victory but explained her decision to settle, citing the best interests of her children. She emphasized her commitment to making ethical financial decisions and the exhaustive efforts made in seeking advice from reputable tax authorities.
The statement read, in part: “While determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers believed would rule in my favor, I have chosen to resolve this matter for the sake of my kids who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her well-being in this fight.”
Shakira also highlighted the toll the case took on her well-being and the need to move past the stress and emotional strain of recent years to focus on her children and career.
The singer’s relocation from Spain to Miami in April 2023 follows a turbulent breakup with her long-time partner, Gerard Piqué, in June 2022. She now resides with her two sons, Milan and Sasha.
