Shakira rejected a plea deal confidently. But that was before it was made known that she could face a total of 8 years in prison if she fails to win this case.
Spanish prosecutors announced on Friday that they will seek a prison term of more than eight years for international music diva Shakira, after she rejected a plea bargain on tax evasion charges. The singer rejected a plea deal because she "trusts" her innocence can be proven. Given the years being sought by the prosecutors, she's going to be in dire situation if not.
Prosecutors in Barcelona will also seek a $24.5 million fine from the 45-year-old "Hips don't Lie" singer, whom they suspect of defrauding the Spanish tax office of 14.5 million euros in income received between 2012 and 2014.
Shakira, who has sold over sixty million albums, rejected a plea agreement on Wednesday, stating through her attorneys that she was "absolutely certain of her innocence" and "certain" that her innocence will be confirmed in court.
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A official court referral has not been published, nor has a trial date been scheduled.
Prior to the start of any trial, Shakira's attorneys believe a settlement is still conceivable. Shakira is one of the biggest names in the global music industry.
Shakira went to Spain in 2011, when her relationship with FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique became known, although kept her official tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015. In June, the couple with whom they share two children announced their split.
Wednesday, the celebrity condemned the prosecutor's office's "total breach of her rights" and "abusive practices."
She said that prosecutors were "insisting on claiming money earned during my worldwide tours and 'The Voice'" on which she served as a judge in the United States, even though she was "not yet a resident of Spain."
Shakira appeared on the singing competition show from 2013 to 2014.
According to her attorneys, she earned the majority of her income from overseas tours until 2014, moved to Spain permanently in 2015, and has met all of her tax obligations.
She claims to have paid 17,2 million euros in taxes to the Spanish government and to have "no debt to the Treasury for many years."
In May, a court in Barcelona denied the singer's request to remove the allegations.
Shakira was identifiedvamong famous celebrities with offshore assets in October 2021's "Pandora Papers," one of the greatest dumps of financial records ever.
Shakira's global hits include "Hips don't Lie," "Whenever, Wherever," and "Waka Waka," the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, thanks to her blend of Latin and Arabic rhythms and rock influence. Shakira is a three-time Grammy winner.
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