Shakira Settles , Tax Evasion Suit.br The Columbian superstar's tax evasion br lawsuit was settled with Spanish br authorities on Nov. 20, CNN reports.br The settlement comes as Shakira was scheduled to go to trial that same day.br In a statement, the singer said that while she br "was ready to face trial and defend my innocence," br she came "to the conclusion that it is not a triumph to br win if the price is that (they) steal so many years of life.".br I had two options: keep fighting until the end, br taking my peace of mind and that of my br children, stop making songs, albums and tours, br without being able to enjoy my career and br the things I like; or agree, close and leave br this chapter of my life behind, looking br forward (to the future), Shakira, via statement.br Shakira was charged with failing to pay br taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014.br She allegedly owed $15.6 million per Spain's br tax code which requires anyone living in the br country for 183 days out of the year to pay taxes. .br Shakira has always maintained that br she paid what was required of her.br First of all, I didn’t spend 183 days per year br at that time at all. I was busy fulfilling my br professional commitments around the world. br Second, I’ve paid everything they claimed br I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. , Shakira, via 'Elle' September 2022 interview .br Shakira was facing at least br eight years in prison if she would have br been convicted on all charges against her.br Instead, she settled the suit for $19 million, which included charges for back taxes, interest and fines, CNN reports.