Posted on 11/21/2023 7:11:51 PM PST by nickcarraway
HOT on the heels of Shakira’s success at the Latin Grammy Awards in Sevilla last week, the Columbian music icon is in the news again today.
In a surprise turn of events, globally renowned singer Shakira has accepted a substantial fine to avoid a prison sentence. This decision concludes a legal battle that started in 2018, as reported by El Español
On November 20, the 46-year-old singer-songwriter appeared at Barcelona Court, acknowledging her tax evasion between 2012 and 2014. The court, aligning with all parties, has agreed to suspend Shakira’s three-year prison sentence.
In return, she will pay a fine of €432,000, part of a total penalty that exceeds €7 million. Shakira has already repaid the €14.5 million she owed the Treasury thus negating a trial set to determine her tax evasion while claiming residence outside Spain.
Costly Settlement To Avoid Prison
Amidst intense media coverage, Shakira arrived at the Palace of Justice, met by journalists, onlookers, and fans. Her decision to settle reflects a desire to prioritize her career and her children’s stability. This resolution comes after years of proclaiming innocence and enduring pressure from the Tax Agency.
‘I felt ready to stand trial and defend my innocence. My lawyers were convinced that we had a winning trial.
‘However, after many years of fighting, I have made this decision,’ Shakira stated. She highlighted the dilemma of continuing a draining legal battle versus closing this stressful chapter of her life.
The Price of Peace And Stability Shakira‘s communications team emphasised the toll the legal struggle has taken on her, which has ultimately influenced her decision to opt for a settlement. Shakira’s statement reflects a sense of resignation mixed with relief: ‘I have come to the conclusion that it is not a triumph to win if the price is to have so many years of your life stolen.
‘I greatly admire those Spanish citizens, like Xabi Alonso, Sito Pons and many others, who have fought to the end, investing years of their lives in this, but for me, today, winning is recovering my time.
‘What good is it for me to win a procedure in the end if I have to fight for 10 or 15 years and lose everything along the way?’
Shakira’s case underscores the complexities of high-profile legal battles. Her choice to cut her losses, while controversial, opens a new chapter in her life, prioritising her family and career over prolonged legal entanglements.
Shakira Shakes Off Shock Sham
I guess her hips do lie.
Wait...she gives money to avoid prison. And she has a ton of money?
Sounds more like extortion than admissions.
Sounds like she cheated on her taxes. Ordinary folks like us are paying our share. So why should she be exempted?
She made the mistake of staying too long in Spain. IIRC she was reporting income in the US while resident in Spain. You can do this under some US tax treaties, but not others. Spain insists on locally taxing foreign income.
I guess her new ‘try everything’ included Capone’s ways.
“Sounds more like extortion than admissions.”
That is taxation.
Am I supposed to be shocked that Shakira dodged taxes in one of the most corrupt countries in the world?
Good on her. Sucks she got caught.
Don’t live somewhere if you aren’t willing to follow the law of that country.
She wisely decided just to pay the ransom.
The “Palace of Justice” has unlimited funds, so even if you win, you can have $ millions in legal fees and years of distress.
Send her to house arrest at my place..,,..
It could be a question of where she lives. Maybe she’s out of Spain for much of the year, but Spain is still considered her primary residence by the Spanish government.
HAF...
She paid US taxes. Money grab by high tax European scum.
Her hips can lie to me anytime.
Yes! Not guilty. But do have to see more proof of her not being guilty.
A fine principle - in a country with clear laws that can't be twisted by random bureaucrats to extort cash.
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