Shakira's lawyer, Pau Molins, recently indicated that the singer could have saved over £100 million if her romantic partner had been former Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos instead of Gerard Pique.
He pointed out that the Spanish tax system quirks resulted in Shakira facing more substantial tax charges due to her residency in Catalonia during her 11-year relationship with Pique.
Defending his assertions made on a radio show, Molins highlighted the lack of wealth tax for Madrid residents compared to those living in Catalonia, which contributed to Shakira's legal issues regarding tax evasion.
The singer recently admitted to six counts of tax fraud, striking a plea bargain to avoid an eight-year prison sentence. Instead, she agreed to pay fines exceeding £7 million to resolve the case.
Molins defended Shakira's decision to settle, expressing his initial intention to go to trial but ultimately respecting her choice. He emphasized the complexities faced by international artists in determining tax obligations due to their extensive travel schedules.
In a statement, Shakira expressed her focus on her children and her desire to spare them the ordeal of a court trial, citing her career and family as primary motivations behind her decisions.
The case revolved around Shakira's residency claims between 2012 and 2014, alleging she spent significant time in Barcelona while claiming tax domicile in the Bahamas.
The plea deal avoided a trial that could have lasted until December and resulted in a prison term substituted by fines.
