AceShowbiz - The Colombian superstar, Shakira, has broken her silence about her taxing legal battle with Spanish authorities over alleged tax fraud. Speaking out more than a year after reaching a settlement, Shakira revealed the real reasons behind her decision to pay a $7.5 million fine last year and avoid a potential prison sentence.

In a candid essay published in the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Shakira, 47, stressed that her decision to settle was driven by a desire to protect her children, Milan, 11, and Sasha, 9, rather than out of cowardice or guilt. "I need them to know that I made the decisions I made to protect them, to be by their side and to get on with my life," she wrote. "Not out of cowardice or guilt."

Shakira was accused of tax fraud in 2018, with Spanish authorities alleging that she lived in Spain between 2012 and 2014 and thus owed nearly $16 million in unpaid income tax. Shakira vehemently denied these claims, arguing that she paid more than she owed and only settled the case to move forward for the sake of her children.

The Grammy-winning singer recounted the turmoil she experienced during this period, accusing Spanish tax authorities of making up a "contrived story" to damage her reputation. She pointed out the absurdity of being taxed as a resident when she only spent 73 days in Spain in 2011, far less than the 183 days required by law to be considered a tax resident.

Shakira accused the Spanish Tax Agency of using her as a "trophy" to rebuild its credibility. "They wanted to make the public believe that I did not pay my taxes, when the truth is that I paid much more than I should have," she said, explaining that her finances had been vetted by other reputable institutions like the IRS without issue.

Shakira's relationship with soccer star Gerard Pique, which ended in June 2022 after a decade, also played a role in her complex living arrangements that contributed to the tax dispute. "In 2011, I wanted my relationship with Gerard Piqué to prosper," she stated, noting how traveling to Spain for the relationship led to complications with her work and ultimately her taxes.

Despite the settlement, the Colombian singer remains staunch in her innocence. "No one can write my story for me," she asserted. "Just like with my songs, I sing to live peacefully again, to turn the page."

In May, Spanish prosecutors dropped additional tax fraud charges against Shakira due to insufficient evidence. While her legal ordeal may have taken a toll, Shakira's primary focus remains on protecting her family and maintaining her integrity.