'We knew she was innocent': Fans elated as Shakira wins big on tax evasion days after her first Met Gala appearance
BARCELONA, SPAIN: Spanish state prosecutors recommended on Wednesday, May 8, that a second investigation into Shakira's finances should be thrown out just days after she attended her first Met Gala.
The Colombian singer was accused of owing $7.2 million in taxes on her 2018 income. The Spanish government claimed Shakira had used an offshore company to evade paying the money but she has always denied any wrongdoing, Associated Press reports.
State prosecutors say 'there is not sufficient evidence' of a possible fiscal crime
State prosecutors, who had initially brought the allegations forward, are now saying "there is not sufficient evidence" of a possible fiscal crime. But, it is up to the investigating judge to decide if the probe will be shelved.
Shakira has previously settled a separate tax evasion issue
Shakira settled a separate tax evasion issue with the Spanish government in November last year. Prosecutors said the Colombian singer lived in Barcelona for more than half of the time between 2012 and 2014 and racked up a tax bill of $15.4 million.
The 'Hips Don't Lie' singer claimed that her official residence was in the Bahamas during that time which meant that she did not owe the Spanish government those taxes. Shakira chose to take a deal on the first day of the trial despite her decision to turn down a previous offer.
Shakira was slapped with a fine of $7.6 million in addition to a suspended three-year sentence. The musician was also fined an additional $472,000.
What did Shakira's legal team say at the time?
"While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favor, I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight," Shakira's legal team told E!Online at the time.
"Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others," the statement further noted, adding "That often means taking the extra step in business and personal financial decisions to procure the absolute best counsel, including seeking the advice of the world’s preeminent tax authorities such as PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, who advised me from the start, and subsequently Ernst & Young Global Limited."
She added, "Unfortunately, and despite these efforts, tax authorities in Spain pursued a case against me as they have against many professional athletes and other high-profile individuals, draining those people’s energy, time, and tranquility for years at a time."
"I need to move past the stress and emotional toll of the last several years and focus on the things I love — my kids and all the opportunities to come in my career, including my upcoming world tour and my new album, both of which I am extremely excited about. I admire tremendously those who have fought these injustices to the end, but for me, today, winning is getting my time back for my kids and my career," her statement concluded.
Shakira currently lives in Miami after leaving Spain due to her split from soccer star Gerard Pique. The duo announced their split in 2022, effectively ending their 12-year relationship.
Internet reacts after Shakira wins tax evasion battle
Internet users were delighted after the pop star's big win in the tax evasion battle. One X fan wrote, "We stand with shakira" and another said "Shakira was always innocent. Justice triumphed." "We knew she was innocent" added a fan while another tweeted, "she just keeps winning." "They tried to ruin her, and instead she THRIVED" said one fan.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
