Shakira reaches deal with authorities to avoid 14.5m euro tax fraud trial

Pop star Shakira has reached a deal with tax authorities in Spain, avoiding a 14.5m euro trial on the morning it was due to begin.

The pop star has agreed to pay a fine, the judge in Barcelona has said, according to Reuters news agency.

In a statement sent to Sky News, Shakira said she had “always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others”.

The Hips Don’t Lie singer said her lawyers had been “confident” the court would rule in her favour.

However, she said she took the decision to resolve the matter before a trial “with the best interest of my kids at heart, who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal wellbeing in this fight”.

Shakira, 46, had faced six counts of failing to pay the Spanish government 14.5m euros (about £12.7m) in taxes between 2012 and 2014.

She had denied any wrongdoing.

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