Shakira is officially putting her legal drama in rearview.
Because, in a surprise twist, the superstar singer has settled the Spanish tax fraud case that has trailed her for several years.
Full story below…
The ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ performer was accused by Spanish authorities of owing over €14.5 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014. She stood accused of listing the Bahamas as her primary residence during those years while allegedly spending the lion’s share of her time in Spain.
Shakira has consistently and emphatically denied any wrongdoing and chose to take the case to trial instead of accepting a settlement offer from the authorities in July 2022.
Moments ago, she announced she is indeed settling – while maintaining her innocence. Her statement read:
“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.
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. 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.”
The news comes on the heels of Shakira winning big at the Latin GRAMMY Awards 2023 – where she took home three honors including Song of the Year for ‘Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53.’
It also follows the superstar taking home the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMAs 2023.