Singer-songwriter Shakira has slammed the Spanish government as she resolved her alleged tax fraud case the day the trial was due to begin.
The 46-year-old chart topping star had been accused by Spanish authorities of failing to pay 14.5 million euros ($15.8 million) in Spanish income tax between 2012 and 2014, reports `Mirror.co.uk`.
But the singer had argued she was living a “nomadic life” during the years of 2012 and 2014 and was not based in Spain.
The Colombian star was in a relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Pique from 2011 until 2022 and together they welcomed sons Milan, born in January 2013, and Sasha, born in January 2015.
As per `Mirror.co.uk`, authorities claimed the megastar bought a property in Barcelona in 2012 that served as their family home — and have been pursuing her over alleged missing taxes since 2017.
A high-profile court case had been due to begin in Spain on Monday, but ahead of the trial — which had been due to run through to mid-December — the singer released a statement to declare that the case had been resolved.
She did not, however, hold back on her scorn for the Spanish authorities.
In a statement, Shakira said: “Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what`s right and set a positive example for others. That often means taking the extra step in business and personal financial decisions to procure the absolute best counsel, including seeking the advice of the world`s pre-eminent tax authorities PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited and Ernst & Young Global Limited who have been my advisors during this whole process.”
She added, “Unfortunately, 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 tranquillity 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.”
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