Shakira reaches deal to avoid $15 million tax fraud trial as jail time swapped for fine

Shakira says she has settled her tax dispute with Spanish authorities just hours before she was due to appear in court.

The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer was set to stand trial in Barcelona today (Monday 20 November) to face charges that she failed to pay 14.5 million euros in Spanish income tax between 2012 and 2014.

She has since issued a statement announcing that she has resolved the dispute with Spain’s authorities, after earlier vowing to fight what she called false accusations.

“Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others,” the Colombian artist, 46, said.

She continued that, despite her and her legal counsel’s 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 said.

“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. 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.”

As part of the deal that puts an end to the trial, the prosecution changed jail time for Shakira with fines, the judge said during the trial’s first hearing.

More to follow...