Colombian pop star Shakira on Monday decided to avoid trial in Barcelona for failing to pay 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in Spanish income taxes between 2012 and 2014, citing personal reasons.
According to a Reuters Report, as a part of the deal, she accepted charges on her and also agreed to pay half of the fine which is more than 7.3 million euros.
She also accepts another fine of 438,000 euros to avoid a three-year prison sentence, the judge said during the trial's first hearing.
According to Shakira's statement released by her Spanish communication agency, she was ready to defend her innocence but decided to prioritize her career and kids.
As per the report, She said "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. This decision to reach a deal responds to personal, emotional and sentimental reasons that have nothing to do with legal (reasons)"
She reportedly has another tax fraud case going on with the Spanish authorities, and she's vowed to fight against what she calls false allegations.
Shakira, who is 46 years old, lived with former Barcelona and Spain soccer star Gerard Pique for 11 years. The couple have two children. After their separation, Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, decided to move to Miami.
Spanish authorities have pursued other celebrities over tax evasion in Spain, including soccer players such as Argentina's Lionel Messi, Brazilian-Spanish player Diego Costa and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo all settled and paid large fines.
(With Input from agencies)
(Photo: Reuters)
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