Izuchukwu E.N
The pop star was previously charged with not paying $15 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014, a time frame during which she claims she was abroad.
As a result of Shakira rejecting a Spanish prosecutor’s efforts to resolve a tax fraud case against her, she might spend up to eight years in prison.
The singer’s decision to forgo a plea deal means the case is now headed to trial. She was previously accused of failing to pay $15 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014 in Spain, a period in which the star says she was not living in the country.
According to court documents obtained by Reuters, Shakira was a resident there during that time frame, as she purchased a home in Barcelona in 2012. (Her official residence was listed as the Bahamas.) In addition to prison time, the filing calls for a fine of $24 million should she be found guilty.
A statement from the 45-year-old pop star’s representatives this week maintained that she is “fully confident of her innocence” and says the case is “a total violation of her rights.”
The news comes after Shakira rejected a settlement offer, the details of which have not been disclosed. She has previously insisted she paid the tax authorities in the region of $18 million and currently has no outstanding debt.
No date for the trial has been set.
The story emerges a month after she and her partner of 11 years, Gerard Piqué, ended their relationship.
“We regret to confirm that we are separating,” the pair said in a joint statement obtained by EW at the time. “We ask for privacy at this moment for the well-being of our children, who are our maximum priority. Thank you in advance for your understanding and respect.” The couple have two sons: Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7.
