Shakira avoids jail as she settles £12.7m tax case and makes emotional statement
Music sensation Shakira has brutally slammed the Spanish government as she resolved her alleged tax fraud case the day the trial was due to begin.
The 46-year-old chart topping star had been accused by Spanish authorities of failing to pay 14.5 million euros (£12.68 million) in Spanish income tax between 2012 and 2014. But the singer had argued she was living a “nomadic life” during the years of 2012 and 2014 and was not based in Spain.
The Colombian star was in a relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué from 2011 until 2022 and together they welcomed sons Milan, born in January 2013, and Sasha, born in January 2015. Authorities claimed the megastar bought a property in Barcelona in 2012 that served as their family home - and have been pursing her over alleged missing taxes since 2017.
A high profile court case had been due to begin in Spain on Monday, but ahead of the trial - which had been due to run through to mid-December - the singer released a statement to declare that the case had been resolved. She did not, however, hold back on her scorn for the Spanish authorities.
Music superstar Shakira has resolved her tax fraud case with the Spanish government (ASSOCIATED PRESS)In a damning statement, Shakira 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 PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited and Ernst & Young Global Limited who have been my advisors during this whole process.
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“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.”
She continued: “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.” The Hips Don’t Lie star added: “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.”
News outlet Reuters has highlighted similar ordeals other famous faces have experienced in Spain, reporting on Monday: “Spanish authorities have pursued other major celebrities over tax evasion including soccer players such as Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina's Lionel Messi and Brazilian-Spanish player Diego Costa. All settled and paid large fines. However, Spain's Supreme Court last month upheld the acquittal of Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso in another tax case. Alonso had refused to settle and eventually won at trial.”
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