The renowned singer has rejected a settlement.
Shakira is dealing with a new personal battle.
The famous singer turned down the prosecution’s offer of a settlement in her tax fraud case, moving the case one step closer to trial, according to her team.
Shakira is accused of defrauding the Spanish government with 14.5 million euros in taxes, according to Spanish authorities.
The singer was accused of failing to pay taxes on earnings between 2012 and 2014 in 2018. If she is found guilty of tax evasion, a fine and/or prison sentence may be imposed.
The Colombian artist has sold more than 80 million records worldwide, but according to a statement from her media team, she has always complied with all of her tax obligations and views the situation as “a total violation of her rights.”
“The singer is fully confident of her innocence and therefore does not accept a settlement,” the statement said, via Reuters.
The case hinges on Shakira’s residences from 2012 to 2014. However, despite Shakira’s official residency being in the Bahamas, the prosecution claims that it was mostly in Spain.
According to Shakira’s public relations firm, she has paid the money she is said to owe the Spanish Tax Agency in full and has no outstanding tax debts.
As per the USA today, there were no immediate details available on the deal prosecutors offered, and no date for the trial has been set.
It comes less than two months after Shakira, 45, and Gerard Pique, 35, announced their separation after 11 years together. The former couple started dating in 2011 but they never wed. They are parents to sons, Milan, nine, and seven-year-old Sasha.
In a joint statement shared on 4 June, Shakira and Spanish footballer, Gerard confirmed: “We regret to confirm that we are parting ways.
“For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
