Just before her trial was set to start, Colombian pop artist Shakira struck a settlement with Spanish prosecutors to resolve a tax fraud case.
The singer paid a €7.5 million (£6.5 million) fine; if found guilty, the prosecution had sought an eight-year prison sentence and a €23.8 million (£20.8 million) fine.
She had been charged in a Barcelona court with tax fraud for €14.5 million (£12.7 million).
Refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoing, Shakira stated that she made her settlement “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 chosen to proceed with a trial over a plea bargain that the prosecutors had offered.
“Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others,” she said.
“Unfortunately, and despite these efforts, 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 tranquillity for years at a time.
“While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favour, 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 added she needed 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”.
