Singer Shakira has rejected the plea deal offered by the Spanish Tax Agency. She has been accused in a 14.5-million-euro tax fraud case and one of the Spanish prosecutors has asked for more than eight years in prison for the singing sensation along with a fine of more than $23.51 million.
Spanish newspaper El Pais reported on Friday that a Spanish prosecutor has called for eight year of prison sentence for the pop star. However, neither a representative of the tax agency, nor the reps of the singer were available for any comments.
Shakira in a statement issued through her lawyers said she was “absolutely certain of her innocence” and had decided to let the case go to court, “confident” that her innocence would be proven.
The Spanish prosecutors had earlier offered Shakira a deal to settle the case, she however rejected it. PR firm Llorente y Cuenca said in a statement that the 45-year-old “trusts her innocence and chooses to leave the issue in the hands of the law.” The firm added that Shakira had cleared the amount she is said to owe with the Spanish Tax Agency and has no pending tax debts.
According to the India media outlet News 18, Shakira was in a relationship with Gerard Pique, a Spanish footballer for 11 years before it ended earlier this year. The couple, who is also parents to two kids, lived in Barcelona for some time. In a joint statement shared on 4 June, Shakira and Gerard said, “We regret to confirm that we are parting ways. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
Media agency Agence France Presse reported that, with her mix of Latin and Arabic rhythms and rock influence, three-time Grammy winner Shakira scored major global hits with songs such as “Hips don’t Lie”, “Whenever, Wherever” and “Waka Waka”, the official song of the 2010 World Cup.
