Shakirahas agreed to a settlement in her multi million dollar tax dispute with Spanish authorities.
In the first day of her tax fraud trial in Barcelona on Monday, the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer told presiding magistrate José Manuel del Amo that she accepted the agreement, according to multiple outlets includingthe BBC,The New York Timesandthe Associated Press.
“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 said.
Shakira testifying at Barcelona Provincial Court on the first day of her trial for allegedly defrauding Spanish tax officials of 14.5 million euro in taxes between 2012 and 2014.Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
“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,” she 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.”
GTres / SplashNews
Still, Shakira maintained her innocence in her statement. “Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others," she said.
The star also criticized tax authorities in Spain, whom she claimed “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.”
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty
Central to the case was Shakira’s residency between 2012 and 2014, per theNew York Times. Prosecutors claim Spain was her main residence but she was listing it as elsewhere to avoid paying taxes. Under Spanish law, people who spend more than six months in the country are considered residents for tax purposes.
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In July, prosecutors claimed that Shakira bought a house in the Spanish city of Barcelona in 2012, which became a family home for her and her then-partner, Barcelona footballerGerard Piqué, according to the AP.
Piqué and Shakira announced their separationin June 2022,they share sons Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7.
Shakira arriving for her trial on tax fraud at the High Court of Justice of Catalonia in Barcelona on Monday.PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images
PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images
“The Spanish tax authorities saw that I was dating a Spanish citizen and started to salivate. It’s clear they wanted to go after that money no matter what,“Shakira toldEllemagazine in September 2022.
She also protested her innocence to the magazine, “I have to fight for what I believe; because these are false accusations,” she said.
source: people.com
