Barcelona: Colombian pop star Shakira on Monday reached a settlement to keep away from a trial in Barcelona over fees she did not pay 14.5 million euros ($24.2 million) in Spanish revenue tax between 2012 and 2014, arguing it was triggered by private causes.
As a part of the deal, she accepted the costs and a wonderful of half the quantity owed, greater than 7.3 million euros.
Colombian singer Shakira leaves court docket in Barcelona, Spain, Credit score: AP
She additionally accepted one other wonderful of 438,000 euros to keep away from a three-year jail sentence, the choose stated throughout the trial’s first listening to.
“This choice to succeed in a deal responds to non-public, emotional and nostalgic causes that don’t have anything to do with authorized (causes),” Shakira stated in an announcement launched by her Spanish communication company, including she was able to defend her innocence however determined to prioritise her profession and youngsters.
“I’ve reached the conclusion that successful shouldn’t be a victory if the value is that they rob you of so a few years of your life,” she stated.
“Do you recognise the information and conform with the brand new penalties which were requested?” requested Choose Jose Manuel del Amo Sanchez firstly of the trial.
“Sure,” Shakira responded softly, carrying a pink go well with matching her pink purse.
She arrived minutes earlier than the beginning of the trial accompanied by her attorneys, amid a media frenzy and the help of some followers outdoors.
On Thursday night time, Shakira gained two Latin Grammy awards in Seville.