‘Confident I have enough proof to support my case’: Spain Summons Shakira To Stand Trial for $24M Tax Fraud Case as Queen of Latin Music Prepares To Fight an Entire Country
Shakira has had one of the toughest years of her life in 2022. Firstly her 11-year-old relationship with the Spanish footballer Gerard Pique fell apart after she caught him cheating on her. Lately, her father’s health has also been an issue of concern for the Colombian singer. Amid all this, she is also being sued for tax evasion by Spanish authorities. According to recent sources, the Colombian star can face prison time of at least eight years.
Shakira has been accused of Tax evasion between 2012 and 2014
The Barcelona tax authorities are reportedly suing Shakira for failing to pay $14.7 million in tax income between 2012 and 2014. According to the Spanish tax authorities, the singer did not pay the tax during the specified period although she was residing in Spain. Shakira’s reps issued a statement earlier that said she was not residing in Spain during the period. According to them, a massive proportion of the singer’s income came from international tours and concerts.
The Waka Waka singer has earlier sweared her innocence and is absolutely ready to go to trial.
The Colombian singer issued a statement for the upcoming trial
In a recent interview with the Spanish edition of Elle’s Magazine, Shakira opened up about her tax evasion case. She said, “I am confident that I have enough proof to support my case.” She further added that she is certain that the decision of the trial will be in her favor. The Whenever Wherever singer also mentioned that she has always paid her taxes on time in Spain since 2015, that was when she mentioned Spain as her residence and has paid $17.2 million in taxes.
Her legal representatives also said that they would present the arguments at the right time and would try to get the outcome of the case in Shakira’s favor.
The Spanish prosecutors are reportedly trying to send the artist to jail for at least eight years along with a $23.5 million fine.
Source: BBC