Shakira Faces Up To Eight Years In Prison For Alleged Tax Fraud
Pop star Shakira is facing up to eight years in prison after she rejected a plea deal on accusations of tax fraud.
In 2018, prosecutors in Barcelona alleged the global superstar, 45, failed to pay the Spanish tax office €14.5 million (£12.18 million) on income earned between 2012 and 2014.
In light of her response to prosecutors, the Spanish courts will now need to decide on holding a trial and set a date - both of which are yet to be confirmed.
UNILAD has contacted Shakira’s rep for comment.
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Earlier this week, the Colombian pop singer confirmed she was opting to go to trial instead of accepting a deal.
Shakira 'trusts her innocence and chooses to leave the issue in the hands of the law,' PR firm Llorente y Cuenca told Billboard in a statement.
The public relations firm also claimed that she has deposited the amount she is said to owe with the Spanish Tax Agency and has no pending tax debts.
Last year, a Spanish judge found there was ‘sufficient indications’ for Shakira’s alleged actions following a three-year investigation into the claim.
The prosecution charged the 'Waka Waka' singer with six alleged tax crimes and are now reportedly seeking an eight-year prison term if convicted.
Judge Marco Jesús Juberías said: "Isabel Mebarak Ripoll stopped paying taxes in Spain during the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, despite having an obligation to do so because she has her tax residence here."
Shakira moved to Barcelona in 2011 to be with her long-term partner Gerard Piqué, a Spanish footballer. Although her main residence was deemed the Bahamas between 2012 to 2014.
The pair, who share two children together, announced they had split in June via a statement released by the singer's agency, which read: "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."
In the wake of Shakira's announcement, one of her loyal followers speculated whether Shakira's song 'Te Felicito (I Congratulate You)' was a hint as to the couple's relationship troubles.
'Te Felicito' sees Shakira team up with Puerto Rican singer and rapper Rauw Alejandro and marks the Columbian singer's first release of 2022.
The lyrics read: [Translation] "To complete you, I broke into pieces/ They warned me, but I didn’t listen/ I realized that your love is false/ It was the final drop that tipped over the glass."
Shakira then sings about an apology that 'seems sincere' but she knows is a 'lie'.
"I congratulate you, how well you act, of that I have no doubt/ Your script continues. That show suits you well," the song continues.
Fans have since flooded to the music video in the belief that Shakira was sending 'signals' with her latest song.
One claimed: "[Translation] If I'm honest, this song didn't catch my attention and I'm a super fan of Shakira's. But look at these lyrics. If I paid attention to it today, it perfectly describes the situation she is apparently experiencing.
"Something that is consistent with everything that can be felt after a betrayal, a description worthy of it. I imagine the pain she must have felt, but at the same time the courage to move on."
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Lisa McLoughlin