Shakira Settles Spain Tax Case and Pays Fine But Blasts Spanish Authorities

The Shakira tax case in Spain seems to finally be over as the Colombian music superstar settles with Spanish authorities and agrees to a 7.5 million Euro fine on top of her 14.5 million Euro tax bill from her allegedly unpaid taxes.

According to the BBC, prosecutors originally wanted to have her imprisoned for eight years and fine her €23.8 million if she was found guilty. However, the Colombian singer decided to settle instead and just paid a fine while staying out of jail.

Previously, Shakira rejected the offers made by Spanish prosecutors and instead opted that her case go on trial. However, she changed her mind and said that it was because of her two kids, stating that her children "do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight."

Shakira had long been pursued by tax authorities in Spain, who claimed that she lived in the country while married to Spanish soccer star Gerard Pique. She had previously avoided some jail time in Spain, but Spanish authorities continued pursuing her until this latest deal.

Shakira Blasts Spanish Authorities After Deal

Shakira once again avoided going to jail in Spain. However, the Colombian music star, who maintained her innocence despite agreeing to the deal, blasted Spanish tax authorities for going after her and other foreign celebrities who lived in Spain.

"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 "Hips Don't Lie" singer said in a statement before going on to blast Spanish authorities.

According to The Daily Mail, Shakira had already repaid the tax, which Spanish officials had accused her of dodging, lamenting, "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," the singer added. "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."

The Question of Shakira's Residency Brought Up During Tax Trial in Spain

Barcelona prosecutors alleged that Shakira spent more than half of the period between 2012-2014 in Spain despite her claiming her residence to be in the Bahamas. This means that taxes for her worldwide income at that time should be paid to Spain. Shakira continued to dispute this.

The singer and her attorneys claimed that she did not spend more than 60 days a year in Spain during that period in question and pointed out that while she had a house with Gerard Pique in Barcelona, she was away for long stretches of time due to her 2011 World Tour, according to the Associated Press.

Prosecutors disagreed with this claim, but her defense attorneys noted that she only listed Spain as her residence in 2014 after her first child started going to school.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Shakira reaches deal in tax fraud case - Associated Press