Shakira recently reached a deal with the Spanish government in her tax fraud trial, which took place in November 2023 in Barcelona. The singer agreed to pay $7.6 million to the Spanish government to settle allegations of tax evasion totaling $15.8 million between 2012 and 2014. This decision allowed her to avoid the risk of imprisonment.
In a letter published in the Spanish newspaper, el Mundo, Shakira explained that her primary motivation for settling the case was to protect her children. She emphasized that she wanted to leave a legacy for her kids as a woman who made decisions to safeguard them and be present in their lives.
Shakira expressed frustration with the Spanish government's handling of her case, stating that she felt unfairly targeted and portrayed as a tax evader. She highlighted the challenges she faced when she moved to Spain in 2011 to be with her partner, Gerard Piqué, who played for FC Barcelona at the time.
The singer disputed the government's claim that she owed taxes for a decade, arguing that she had always fulfilled her tax obligations and had even been cleared by the IRS in the United States. Shakira maintained that she paid more than required due to what she perceived as unjust fines.
Following the resolution of the trial, Shakira announced her decision to leave Spain and relocate to Miami after separating from Piqué. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing her children's well-being and requested privacy to ensure they could lead healthy and happy lives.
Throughout her statement, Shakira underscored her commitment to moving forward from the legal battle and focusing on her family and future career opportunities. She expressed a desire to live peacefully and turn the page on this challenging chapter of her life.
