Shakira reaches deal to avoid US$15mil tax fraud trial in Spain

FILE PHOTO: Shakira poses on the red carpet during the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards show in Seville, Spain, November 16, 2023. REUTERS/Marcelo del Pozo/File Photo

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Colombian pop star Shakira on Monday reached a settlement to avoid a trial in Barcelona over charges she failed to pay 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in Spanish income tax between 2012 and 2014, arguing it was triggered by personal reasons.

As part of the deal, she accepted the charges and a fine of half the amount owed, more than 7.3 million euros.