Shakira Settles , Tax Evasion Suit.
The Columbian superstar's tax evasion
lawsuit was settled with Spanish
authorities on Nov. 20, CNN reports.
The settlement comes as Shakira was scheduled to go to trial that same day.
In a statement, the singer said that while she
"was ready to face trial and defend my innocence,"
she came "to the conclusion that it is not a triumph to
win if the price is that (they) steal so many years of life.".
I had two options: keep fighting until the end,
taking my peace of mind and that of my
children, stop making songs, albums and tours,
without being able to enjoy my career and
the things I like; or agree, close and leave
this chapter of my life behind, looking
forward (to the future), Shakira, via statement.
Shakira was charged with failing to pay
taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014.
She allegedly owed $15.6 million per Spain's
tax code which requires anyone living in the
country for 183 days out of the year to pay taxes. .
Shakira has always maintained that
she paid what was required of her.
First of all, I didn’t spend 183 days per year
at that time at all. I was busy fulfilling my
professional commitments around the world.
Second, I’ve paid everything they claimed
I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. , Shakira, via 'Elle' September 2022 interview .
Shakira was facing at least
eight years in prison if she would have
been convicted on all charges against her.
Instead, she settled the suit for $19 million, which included charges for back taxes, interest and fines, CNN reports.