Shakira was pictured in a stunning pink power suit when she arrived in court in Barcelona on Monday, November 20th for day one of her tax fraud trial.
The 46-year-old Colombian singer was facing up to eight years in jail and a fine of up to $26M if found guilty, but reportedly settled the tax fraud case with a $7.5M payment on the first day. According to reports, the mom-of-two admitted to six counts of tax fraud, and in addition to the hefty fine, also received a three-year suspended sentence.
“Do you recognize the facts and conform with the new penalties that have been requested?” asked Judge Jose Manuel del Amo Sanchez, as per The Guardian. “Yes,” the “Acróstico” singer responded.
Shakira Attends Court In Barcelona
The MTV Video Vanguard Award winner looked effortlessly chic and sophisticated in court, wearing a baby pink power suit consisting of high-waisted pink trousers and a chic blazer with three-quarter length sleeves in a matching color. Her honey blonde locks were worn in a long, wavy down do, and she was spotted arriving in court in matching Barbiecore pink sunglasses and a matching pink bag.
The "Hips Don't Lie" songstress explained that she settled the tax fraud case for the sake of Milan and Sasha, the two sons she shares with ex Gerard Piqué, who she broke up with earlier this year after more than 10 years together.
"While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favor, I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight," she said in a statement, according to People.
"I need to move past the stress and emotional toll of the last several years and focus on the things I love – my kids and all the opportunities to come in my career, including my upcoming world tour and my new album, both of which I am extremely excited about," she continued, adding: "I admire tremendously those who have fought these injustices to the end, but for me, today, winning is getting my time back for my kids and my career."
The "TQG" singer star also went on to say that the tax authorities in Spain "pursued a case against me as they have against many professional athletes and other high-profile individuals, draining those people's energy, time, and tranquility for years at a time."
Social Media Comments
Many social media users had comments about the outcome of the trial, with one person writing on a @Courttvnetwork Instagram post: "So there is different laws for the rich." "If this was me or you we'd be either in prison or broke… or more than likely both," commented another fan on the same post, as another said: "Typical Hollywood for you." "That's pocket change for her," thought another, followed by the crying laughing emoji.
Commenting on a post from the Court TV X account, another user said: "She needs to hire another tax accountant for starters." "The millionaires commit more fraud than average people. Fact," wrote another, while someone else said: "She's worth 300 to 400 hundred million dollars, she won't miss it." "Different rules for the elite," wrote another. Many others praised her for settling for the sake of her children, with one writing: "She stepped up and took responsibility and that's always a good thing."
