Shakira has reached a settlement with the Spanish government over allegations of tax evasion on the day a trial was set to begin.
“Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others”, says the singer in a statement.
“That often means”, she adds, “taking the extra step in business and personal financial decisions to procure the absolute best counsel, including seeking the advice of the world’s preeminent tax authorities PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited and Ernst & Young Global Limited, who have been my advisors during this whole process”.
“Unfortunately”, she goes on, “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 favour, 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”.
“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”.
“I admire tremendously those who have fought these injustices to the end”, she concludes, “but for me, today, winning is getting my time back for my kids and my career”.
The singer was due to stand trial over allegations that she failed to pay €14.5 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014. In September this year, she received a second charge, accusing her of using an offshore company based in a tax haven in order to avoid paying a further €6.7 million in 2018.