Colombian singer Shakira recently opened up about her decision to settle a $15 million tax fraud case in Spain. In a letter published in the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, the pop star explained that her choice to settle was made to protect her two sons, Milan, 11, and Sasha, 9, not because she was guilty.

Shakira was accused of not paying nearly $16 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014, with authorities claiming that she lived in Spain during those years. However, the singer denies the accusations, stating that she did not live in Spain for more than 183 days in any year, the minimum requirement to be considered a tax resident.

In 2023, Shakira settled the case, avoiding a possible prison sentence by agreeing to pay a $7.5 million fine. The singer clarified that she only settled to protect her children from further stress, as the media constantly followed her during the court case and her public breakup with soccer star Gerard Piqué.

Shakira expressed her frustration with the Spanish authorities, accusing them of creating a false narrative to tarnish her reputation and restore their credibility. She believes they targeted her to make an example out of her, describing their actions as a form of public shaming.

“I need my children to know that I made the decisions I made to protect them, to be by their side, and to get on with my life. Not out of cowardice or guilt,” Shakira stated.

While the case has now been settled, Shakira insists that she has always fulfilled her tax obligations and criticizes the Spanish tax agency for pressuring public figures to rebuild their credibility.