On Tuesday, Spanish authorities cleared the way for investigators to seek after further legal action against the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer, 45, revealed the Associated Press.
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A trial date has not yet been set, per the power source, however the star faces a potential eight-year sentence in addition to a large fine on the off chance that she is viewed as at fault for not paying taxes from 2012 to 2014.
In July, she dismissed a settlement offer in the case, according to Reuters, which would have privately addressed any outstanding issues.
Shakira has denied any wrongdoing, and her advertising firm maintains that she has paid what she owed in addition to $3 million in interest, per the AP.
The case hinges on where Shakira resided during the two-year time frame. The performer alleges that she invested a large portion of her energy in her primary home, the Bahamas, while examiners will aim to demonstrate she spent the majority of the period in Spain.
In reports obtained by both El Periodico and El Pais, the singer’s protection claimed that she had invested a large portion of her energy abroad, and made no effort to intentionally conceal her income, citing any misunderstandings as “a distinction in criteria.”
In May, a court in Spain dismissed her appeal in the case, ruling that there was sufficient proof to push ahead. The court maintained a ruling from July 2021, when Spanish Appointed authority Marco Juberías determined there was “adequate proof of criminality” following an investigation that happened for three years, according to the AP.
A representative for the Colombian musician told Individuals in July she is “confident in her innocence.”
“Shakira has always cooperated and abided by the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and a taxpayer, and faithfully following the guidance of PriceWaterhouse Coopers, a lofty and globally perceived tax firm,” the rep says.
Their statement continues, “Unfortunately, the Spanish Tax Office, which loses one out of each and every two lawsuits with its taxpayers, continues to violate her freedoms and seek after one more baseless case. Shakira is confident that her innocence will be demonstrated toward the judicial process’ end.”
Shakira was first accused of tax evasion in January 2018. That February, she paid nearly $25 million in owed taxes. The news comes closely following Shakira’s announcement in June that she and her longtime partner professional soccer player Gerard Piqué — with whom she shares two sons, Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7 — are taking separation.
“We lament to confirm that we are separating,” the couple, who previously confirmed their relationship in March 2011 said in a joint statement at the time.
“We ask for privacy at this second for the prosperity of our youngsters, who are our maximum need. Thank you in advance for your understanding and regard.”
— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) September 27, 2022