Colombian singer Shakira has reached an agreement with the Spanish public prosecutor to settle a tax fraud case, just as her trial was set to begin this morning in Barcelona. The singer has agreed to pay a fine of 7.5 million euros and in return will avoid the risk of prison.
She is accused of failing to pay €14.5 million in Spanish income tax between 2012 and 2014. As part of the deal, she accepted the charges and a fine of 50% of the amount owed, more than €7.3 million. Prosecutors had sought to imprison her for eight years and fine her 23.8 million euros if found guilty.
But Shakira has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, she said she decided in the interest of her children.
"While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my attorneys were confident would have decided in my favor, I have made the decision to ultimately resolve this matter with the best interests of my children at heart, who don't want to see Mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight." (A2 Televizion)
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