Shakira avoided jail time for tax evasion (6 photos)

The Colombian singer has reached an agreement with Spanish authorities in a tax fraud case. Initially, prosecutors wanted to jail Shakira for eight years and fine him 23.8 million euros. However, the 46-year-old mother of two appeared in court on November 20 and agreed to pay a fine of 7 million euros.

Shakira reaches agreement with Spanish tax authorities and avoids further legal proceedings





“I made the decision to finally settle this matter based on the best interests of my children,” explains the pop star. “I felt ready to defend my innocence. But it’s not a triumph if so many years of your life have been stolen from you.”

The "Hips Don't Lie" singer denies any wrongdoing: "Throughout my career, I have strived to do the right thing and be a good example. This means I have always sought the advice of the world's leading tax advisors, PricewaterhouseCoopers International, when making business and personal financial decisions." Limited and Ernst & Young Global Limited who helped me throughout this entire process."



“Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the Spanish tax authorities opened a case against me, as they have done against many professional athletes and other high-profile individuals, robbing these people of their energy, time and peace of mind.”

Last year, the singer claimed that she could not be considered a resident of Spain because she spent more than 240 days outside the country traveling around the world





“Although I was determined to maintain my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would end in my favor, I made the decision to finally resolve this matter in the interests of my children, who do not want their mother to sacrifice herself in this fight."

"I need to put the stress and emotional strain of the past few years behind me and focus on what I love - my children and my music career, including my upcoming world tour and new album. I admire those who fight this injustice to the end, but Today, victory for me is the new time for my children and music."



Prosecutors in Spain accused the Latin American star of failing to pay 6.7 million euros in 2018. Authorities say she failed to declare millions in advance payments for her El Dorado World Tour and other sources of income, and also evaded taxes through an offshore company.



The pop star, now based in Miami, briefly lived in Barcelona with her ex-husband, footballer Gerard Pique, and their two children



“While Gerard and I were dating, I was on a world tour,” Shakira said in an interview with Elle.

"I spent more than 240 days outside of Spain, so there was no way I could qualify as a resident. The Spanish tax authorities saw that I was dating a citizen of their country and started drooling."