Shakira Settles , Tax Evasion Suit.<br />The Columbian superstar's tax evasion <br />lawsuit was settled with Spanish <br />authorities on Nov. 20, CNN reports.<br />The settlement comes as Shakira was scheduled to go to trial that same day.<br />In a statement, the singer said that while she <br />"was ready to face trial and defend my innocence," <br />she came "to the conclusion that it is not a triumph to <br />win if the price is that (they) steal so many years of life.".<br />I had two options: keep fighting until the end, <br />taking my peace of mind and that of my <br />children, stop making songs, albums and tours, <br />without being able to enjoy my career and <br />the things I like; or agree, close and leave <br />this chapter of my life behind, looking <br />forward (to the future), Shakira, via statement.<br />Shakira was charged with failing to pay <br />taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014.<br />She allegedly owed $15.6 million per Spain's <br />tax code which requires anyone living in the <br />country for 183 days out of the year to pay taxes. .<br />Shakira has always maintained that <br />she paid what was required of her.<br />First of all, I didn’t spend 183 days per year <br />at that time at all. I was busy fulfilling my <br />professional commitments around the world. <br />Second, I’ve paid everything they claimed <br />I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. , Shakira, via 'Elle' September 2022 interview .<br />Shakira was facing at least <br />eight years in prison if she would have <br />been convicted on all charges against her.<br />Instead, she settled the suit for $19 million, which included charges for back taxes, interest and fines, CNN reports.
