Source: BBC News [UK state media]
“Colombian pop star Shakira has reached a deal with Spanish prosecutors to settle a tax fraud case, just as her trial was about to begin. The singer has paid a €7.5m (£6.5m) fine — prosecutors had wanted to jail her for eight years and fine her €23.8m (£20.8m) if found guilty. She had faced tax fraud allegations for €14.5m (£12.7m) in a Barcelona court. Shakira, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, said she settled ‘with the best interest of my kids at heart.’ In a lengthy statement, she said her children ‘do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight.’ The performer had previously rejected a deal offered by prosecutors, instead opting to go to trial. The case centred around where Shakira was living between 2012 and 2014.” (11/20/23)