Shakira to Stand Trial for Tax Evasion

Shakira’s hips don’t lie, but according to reports, her tax forms might.

On Tuesday, 27 September, the Esplugues de Llobregat court in Barcelona, Spain, ordered the Grammy-winning singer to stand trial for six alleged counts of tax fraud.

Spanish prosecutors believe that Shakira – full name Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll – spent more than six months living in the country between 2012 and 2014, making her eligible to pay local taxes. She denies this point, saying that she was on tour and living a “nomadic life” for the majority of the time.

A plea bargain deal was offered to the Columbian “Waka Waka” hitmaker in July, which she rejected. A date for the trial is yet to be set; but, if found guilty, she could face eight years in prison, as well as a fine of €23.8 million.

During an interview with an international entertainment magazine last week, she doubled down on the allegations: “I’ve paid everything they claimed I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. So as of today, I owe zero to them.

“I am confident that I have enough proof to support my case and that justice will prevail in my favour,” she added.

Image Credit: Source