Judge Rules Shakira Should Go to Trial For Tax Evasion, Singer Faces Jail Time After Being Accused Of Failing To Pay $16.4 Million
July 29 2021, Published 12:06 p.m. ET
Shakira's hips don't lie, but they might not be able to keep her out of jail.
The 44-year-old singer faces potential time behind bars after a judge ruled the singer should go to trial for tax evasion in Spain.
After a three-year investigation, Judge Marco Juberías declared on Thursday that there is enough evidence to take her case to trial.
Judge Juberías said he found “sufficient evidence of criminality" and recommended the case go to the next step -- a trial judge.
In 2019, Shakira 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.
The Waka Waka singer reportedly paid what was owed after she was given the bill by the Tax Office, claims her public relations firm.
Shakira's three Grammys won't help her situation.
The star faces a possible fine and potential jail time if she's found guilty of tax evasion.
However, it might not get to that level.
As The Associated Press points out, a judge can waive jail time for first-time offenders -- but only if their sentence is under two years.
Judge Juberías' decision can also be appealed.
When the allegations first came out against Shakira, her team hit back with a statement.
"There is currently no debt," they insisted. "Shakira has always fulfilled her tax duties in all those countries in which she has worked, including in the period between 2011 and 2014."
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"She followed the opinions and precise recommendations of her advisers, who are top-level professionals from one of the biggest companies in the world," the statement concluded.
Shakira allegedly moved to Spain in 2011 after going public with her longtime partner, football star Gerard Pique.
The two have created a nice life for themselves, which includes their two sons -- Milan, 8, and Sasha, 6.
