Shakira settles tax fraud case
On the day her tax evasion trial was set to begin in Barcelona, Shakira announced that she struck a deal with Spanish prosecutors, settling a years-long legal dispute, The Washington Post reported.
Spanish authorities had accused Shakira of failing to pay more than 14.5 million euros — roughly $15.8 million — in income taxes between 2012 and 2014. On Monday, the Colombian singer told the presiding magistrate that she had reached an agreement with prosecutors. According to the Associated Press, Shakira will receive a suspended three-year sentence as part of the deal, as well as pay a fine of 7.3 million euros.
Prosecutors had initially sought an eight-year prison sentence and a fine of 24 million euros.
Shakira, whose legal name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, rejected a deal offered to her by prosecutors in July 2022. The singer continues to maintain her innocence in the matter but said she ultimately chose to settle with Spanish authorities to avoid putting additional stress on her family.
In exchange for having her sentence waived, however, Shakira will have to pay an additional 432,000 euros. Her legal record will also reflect that she was found guilty of tax fraud — which could have an effect on separate tax evasion charges the singer is still facing.