Shakira All Smiles On Set, Returns To Work For First Time Since Judge Ruled Singer Should Go To Trial For Alleged $16.4 Million Tax Evasion
Aug. 11 2021, Published 3:34 p.m. ET
Shakira is throwing herself back into work, despite potentially facing jail time after a judge in Spain ruled the singer should go to trial for allegedly failing to pay $16.4 million in taxes.
The 44-year-old Hips Don't Lie songbird smiled from ear to ear, appearing not to be concerned about the drama surrounding her taxes in her first appearance since the judge recommended her fate.
After a three-year investigation, Judge Marco Juberías declared there was enough evidence to take the case to trial.
Judge Juberías said that he found “sufficient evidence of criminality" and recommended the case go to the next step -- a trial judge.
Despite facing potential jail time, Shakira channeled her inner superstar and went back into the studio, delighting her fans with the possibility of new music.
With famed photographer Ellen von Unwerth by her side, Shakira shined like the star she is.
Flaunting her curves in a pair of teeny tiny green shorts, the Waka Waka singer wore her gorgeous curly locks down and paired her laid-back look with a face full of makeup.
Showing herself partly glammed-up with her casual wardrobe on the bottom, Shakira and Unwerth flashed their pearly whites and held their pinky and thumbs to their face like a phone.
Unwerth posted the photo on Wednesday. "On set with the one and only @shakira. New project coming soon," she wrote as the caption.
Before the judge made his recommendation in her tax evasion case, Shakira teased she was recording new music -- but it appears there is much more on the horizon for the star.
Shakira faces a possible fine and potential jail time if she's found guilty of tax evasion.
In 2019, the She Wolf singer was charged with failing to pay 14.5 million euros -- which is $16.4 million -- in taxes to Spain between 2012 and 2014, despite living in the country most of that time.
Shakira testified three years ago and denied any wrongdoing. Her public relations firm even claimed the Grammy winner reportedly paid what was owed after she was given the bill by the Tax Office