Colombian Pop Star Shakira Reaches Settlement to Avoid Tax Trial in Barcelona?

In a surprising turn of events on Monday, Colombian pop sensation Shakira reached a settlement to sidestep a trial in Barcelona related to charges of failing to pay 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in Spanish income tax from 2012 to 2014. The internationally acclaimed artist argued that the tax evasion was prompted by personal reasons.

As part of the agreement, Shakira not only accepted the charges but also agreed to pay a fine of over 7.3 million euros, half of the amount owed. Additionally, she acquiesced to another fine of 438,000 euros to circumvent a potential three-year prison sentence, as announced by the presiding judge during the trial’s initial hearing.

In a statement released by her Spanish communication agency, Shakira explained, “This decision to reach a deal responds to personal, emotional, and sentimental reasons that have nothing to do with legal (reasons).” She expressed her readiness to defend her innocence but ultimately chose to prioritize her career and children. “I have reached the conclusion that winning is not a victory if the price is that they rob you of so many years of your life,” she added.

During the trial, when asked by Judge Jose Manuel del Amo Sanchez if she recognized the facts and agreed with the new penalties, Shakira softly responded, “Yes,” clad in a pink suit matching her handbag. The media frenzy surrounding the trial was palpable, with fans showing support outside the courthouse.

This development comes just days after Shakira secured two Latin Grammy awards in Seville, underlining her continued success in the music industry. Previously, the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer had staunchly vowed to fight what she deemed false accusations.

The prosecution had initially sought up to eight years in prison and aimed to reclaim the alleged unpaid taxes. The allegations were centered around Shakira’s residency status, claiming she spent more than half of the relevant years in Spain and asserting that a property she purchased in Barcelona in May 2012 served as a family home.

Miriam Company, one of Shakira’s lawyers, addressed reporters outside the courthouse, stating, “It is logically a ruling of conformity that involves a recognition of the facts. But the decision has been motivated by personal issues.” The legal team, she added, was confident in proving Shakira’s innocence, but circumstances led to the settlement.

Shakira, 46, previously lived with former Barcelona and Spain soccer star Gerard Pique for 11 years, and the couple shares two children. Following their separation, the singer, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, relocated to Miami.

Notably, this tax case is not the only legal challenge Shakira faces in Spain, as she has another tax fraud investigation pending. The country’s authorities have previously pursued other high-profile individuals, including soccer players Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Diego Costa, all of whom settled and paid substantial fines. In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso refused to settle and successfully won a trial against the tax agency, a decision upheld by Spain’s Supreme Court last month.