Colombian superstar Shakira has broken her silence on her highly publicized tax fraud case, accusing Spanish authorities of "publicly burning me at the stake" and prioritizing image over justice. She settled the case to protect her children from the relentless pressure and media scrutiny.
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Shakira Blasts Spanish Authorities for "Publicly Burning Me at the Stake" in Tax Fraud Case
"Hips Don't Lie" singer Shakira has spoken out about her legal battle with Spanish authorities, expressing her frustration and anger over their handling of the tax fraud case. In an exclusive interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo, she revealed her reasons for agreeing to a settlement and her disappointment with the authorities.
Shakira was accused of owing 6.7 million euros ($7.2 million) in taxes on her 2018 income. Spanish prosecutors alleged that she used an offshore company to evade paying the money. However, the charges were dropped in May 2023.
Shakira Blasts Spanish Authorities for "Publicly Burning Me at the Stake" in Tax Fraud Case
Despite the dropped charges, Shakira settled a separate tax evasion issue with the Spanish government in November 2023. Prosecutors claimed that she lived in Barcelona for more than half of the time between 2012 and 2014 and racked up a tax bill of $15.4 million.
Shakira's decision to settle was motivated by her desire to protect her two sons, Milan and Sasha. She stated that she did not want them to witness or be affected by the ongoing legal battle and media coverage.
Shakira Blasts Spanish Authorities for "Publicly Burning Me at the Stake" in Tax Fraud Case
Shakira accused Spanish authorities of targeting her and using her as a scapegoat to recover lost prestige. She alleged that they "immediately tried to charge" her taxes for the past 10 years when she moved to Spain in 2015.
She further claimed that they "intimidated people, threatening them with jail, putting our children's peace of mind at risk and putting us under pressure to break us."
Shakira Blasts Spanish Authorities for "Publicly Burning Me at the Stake" in Tax Fraud Case
Shakira spoke about the emotional toll the tax fraud case has taken on her. She said that she has been left feeling "frustrated" and "betrayed" by Spanish authorities.
She emphasized that she only decided to live in Spain in 2015 and was not legally required to pay taxes there for the previous 10 years. She described the situation as a "trap" that authorities used to pressure her.
Shakira lamented the relentless media scrutiny and public condemnation she faced throughout the ordeal. She said that authorities seemed more interested in "publicly burning" her than in listening to her explanations.
She also criticized the "arrogance" and "bullying" tactics used by Spanish officials. She believes that her case has been used as a public spectacle to deter others from challenging the government.
Shakira expressed her determination to move forward with her life and focus on her children. She stated that she will continue to speak out against injustice and advocate for those who are faced with similar struggles.
She emphasized the importance of self-expression and said that her music is a way for her to process her experiences and connect with others.
