Shakira Reveals Why She Settled Tax Fraud Case With Spanish Government

Shakira has settled her tax fraud case with the Spanish government to avoid a trial.

Transcript

00:00 As you all know, Shakira was accused of failing

00:01 to pay the Spanish government around 14.5 million euros

00:04 in taxes between 2012 and 2014,

00:07 which is the equivalent of about 15.8 million US dollars.

00:10 While Shakira has always maintained her innocence,

00:13 on the first day of her tax fraud case in Barcelona,

00:15 she is now making headlines for accepting a deal

00:17 with the Spanish government.

00:18 According to the Associated Press,

00:20 Shakira confirmed her acknowledgement of six counts

00:22 of failing to pay the Spanish government,

00:23 she received a suspended three-year sentence,

00:25 and she will pay a fine of seven million euros.

00:28 Shakira released a statement to E! News

00:29 praising her legal team and pointing out

00:31 that despite their best efforts,

00:32 the tax authorities in Spain pursued a case against her,

00:35 as they have with many professional athletes

00:36 and high-profile individuals.

00:38 Shakira continued saying, quote,

00:39 "While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial

00:41 "that my lawyers were confident

00:43 "would have ruled in my favor,

00:44 "I've made the decision to finally resolve this matter

00:46 "with the best interest of my kids at heart,

00:48 "who do not want to see their mom

00:49 "sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight."