BARCELONA, Spain – In a surprising turn of events, Colombian pop star Shakira has reached a settlement to avoid a trial in Barcelona over charges of tax fraud. The global icon, known for hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever,” had been accused of failing to pay 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in Spanish income tax between 2012 and 2014.
The Deal:
Under the terms of the deal, Shakira accepted the charges and agreed to pay a fine of half the amount owed, which amounts to over 7.3 million euros. Additionally, she will pay another fine of 438,000 euros to avoid a three-year prison sentence. This agreement was reached on the opening day of her tax fraud trial, effectively putting an end to the legal proceedings after just eight minutes.
Reasons and Reactions:
Shakira stated that her decision to reach a deal was motivated by personal, emotional, and sentimental reasons, rather than legal considerations. She expressed her readiness to defend her innocence but ultimately prioritized her career and her children. The pop star, who recently won two Latin Grammy awards, thanked her fans in Spain for their support during both the good and bad times.
Legal Background:
The tax fraud charges against Shakira alleged that she spent more than half of each of the years in question in Spain and was therefore ordinarily resident in the country. The prosecution argued that a Barcelona property she purchased in 2012 served as a family home, further supporting their claim. However, Shakira’s legal team had prepared to prove her innocence, asserting that she had not spent more than 60 days a year in Spain during the period in question.
Precedents and Settlements:
Shakira’s case is not the first involving high-profile individuals and tax evasion in Spain. Other celebrities, including soccer players Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Diego Costa, have faced similar charges and settled by paying substantial fines. However, former soccer player Xabi Alonso refused to settle and ultimately won a trial against the tax agency, with Spain’s Supreme Court upholding his acquittal.