Colombian pop star Shakira has reached a settlement with Spanish prosecutors in a tax fraud case just as her trial was about to begin. She has paid a €7.5m fine, avoiding a potential jail sentence of eight years and a larger fine of €23.8m. The allegations against her involved €14.5m in unpaid taxes. Shakira, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stated that she settled in the best interest of her children. She had previously rejected a deal offered by prosecutors and chose to go to trial instead. In a statement, she expressed her desire to move past the stress and emotional toll of the past few years and focus on her children and career.

The case revolved around Shakira’s residency status between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors claimed that she was living in Spain but listing her official residence elsewhere. Under Spanish law, individuals who spend more than six months in the country are considered residents for tax purposes. However, Shakira argued that Spain was not her primary place of residence during that time. Prosecutors presented evidence that she had purchased a house in Barcelona in 2012, which became a family home for her and her then-partner, Gerard Piqué. Shakira’s lawyers countered by stating that most of her income during that period came from international tours, and she spent significant time outside of Spain.

Shakira expressed frustration with the Spanish tax authorities, claiming that they targeted her because of her relationship with Piqué, a Spanish citizen. She declared Spain as her place of residence for tax purposes in 2015 and stated that she has paid €17.2m in taxes with no outstanding debts. In a separate case, Piqué was fined €2.1m for tax evasion between 2008 and 2010. The couple announced their split in June after 11 years together and have two children.

In her statement, Shakira emphasized her commitment to doing what is right and setting a positive example. She acknowledged the toll the case has taken on her well-being and expressed her desire to move forward and focus on her children and future opportunities in her career.

Original news source: Shakira: Singer settles Spanish tax fraud case with $7.5m fine (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to read the article and summarize the main points in their own words. They can work in pairs to discuss the key facts and then present their summaries to the class. Focus on clarity and conciseness, aiming for a summary that is no longer than four sentences.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements about the article (e.g., “Celebrities are often unfairly targeted by tax authorities,” “Residency laws for tax purposes are too complicated,” etc.). Students walk around the class and poll their classmates about their opinions on these statements. They should record the number of students who agree or disagree with each statement and then report back to the class with their findings.

– Role-play: News Reporter
Instructions: Divide the students into pairs. One student plays the role of a news reporter, and the other is Shakira’s spokesperson. The reporter must ask questions related to the case, and the spokesperson must answer based on information from the article. Afterward, they switch roles. This activity encourages students to use reported speech and practice their interviewing and speaking skills.

– Mind Map
Instructions: Students create a mind map to explore the various aspects and implications of Shakira’s tax fraud case. They should include details about the case, the legal arguments, its impact on Shakira and her family, and broader issues related to tax law and celebrity status. This activity promotes the organization of thoughts and critical thinking.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Students discuss and write down their predictions about the future repercussions of this settlement on Shakira’s career and personal life, as well as potential changes in tax laws or celebrity treatment by tax authorities. They share their predictions with the class, providing reasons for their viewpoints, and engage in a class discussion about the likelihood of these predictions coming true.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What was the amount of the fine Shakira paid to settle the tax fraud case with Spanish prosecutors?
2. What was the potential jail sentence and larger fine Shakira could have faced had she not settled?
3. How much in unpaid taxes was Shakira accused of owing?
4. For what reason did Shakira state she settled the tax fraud case?
5. What years were in question regarding Shakira’s residency status for the tax fraud case?
6. What evidence did prosecutors present to claim Shakira was a resident of Spain?
7. How much in taxes did Shakira say she has paid after declaring Spain as her place of residence for tax purposes in 2015?
8. What was Gerard Piqué fined for, and how much was the fine?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Colombian pop star (1)______ has reached a settlement with Spanish prosecutors in a tax fraud case just as her trial was about to begin. She has paid a €7.5m fine, (2)______ a potential jail sentence of eight years and a larger fine of €23.8m. The allegations against her involved €14.5m in unpaid (3)______. Shakira, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stated that she settled in the best interest of her children. She had previously (4)______ a deal offered by prosecutors and chose to go to trial instead. In a statement, she expressed her desire to move past the stress and emotional toll of the past few years and focus on her children and career.

The case revolved around Shakira’s residency (5)______ between 2012 and 2014. (6)______ claimed that she was living in Spain but listing her official residence elsewhere. Under Spanish law, individuals who spend more than six months in the (7)______ are (8)______ residents for tax purposes. However, Shakira argued that Spain was not her primary place of residence during that time. Prosecutors presented evidence that she had purchased a house in Barcelona in 2012, which became a family home for her and her then-partner, Gerard Piqué. Shakira’s lawyers countered by stating that most of her income during that (9)______ came from international tours, and she (10)______ significant time outside of Spain.

Shakira expressed frustration with the Spanish tax authorities, claiming that they (11)______ her because of her relationship with Piqué, a Spanish citizen. She (12)______ Spain as her place of residence for tax purposes in 2015 and stated that she has paid €17.2m in taxes with no outstanding debts. In a separate case, Piqué was fined €2.1m for tax evasion between 2008 and 2010. The (13)______ announced their split in June after 11 (14)______ together and have two children.

In her statement, Shakira emphasized her commitment to doing what is right and setting a positive example. She acknowledged the toll the case has (15)______ on her well-being and expressed her desire to move forward and (16)______ on her children and future opportunities in her career.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on celebrities facing legal issues such as tax fraud?
2. How would you feel if you were accused of a crime you did not commit?
3. Do you think famous people are more likely to be targeted by authorities for legal issues? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had to make a difficult decision in the best interest of your family? Can you share your experience?
5. What is the importance of setting a positive example for others, particularly if you are in the public eye?
6. How do you think media attention affects the personal lives of celebrities during legal battles?
7. Do you believe that settling a case out of court is an admission of guilt? Why or why not?
8. What is your stance on the idea that someone’s personal relationships could influence how they are treated by the law?
9. How do you think a parent’s high-profile legal issues might impact their children?
10. Do you like the idea of celebrities being open about their struggles, or do you think they should keep these matters private?
11. Do you think the severity of potential penalties, like an eight-year jail sentence, is fair for tax evasion cases?
12. In your country, how are tax laws applied to residents versus non-residents, and do you think the rules are fair?
13. What is your perception of the tax system in your country? Do you think it is straightforward or complicated?
14. How would you handle the stress and emotional toll of a long legal battle if you were in Shakira’s position?
15. Do you think it’s possible for public figures to fully move past such controversies and regain their previous standing in their careers?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. settlement
2. prosecutors
3. fine
4. jail
5. allegations
6. trial
7. residency
8. authorities

Meanings:
(a) A place where criminals are held as punishment
(b) Claims or accusations made against someone
(c) The status of being a legal resident in a particular place
(d) A formal examination of evidence in a court of law
(e) Legal representatives who bring charges against someone in court
(f) Resolution of a legal dispute or disagreement
(g) A sum of money paid as punishment for breaking the law
(h) Government officials responsible for enforcing laws and regulations
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was the potential jail sentence Shakira faced if she had not reached a settlement?
(a) Five years
(b) Eight years
(c) Ten years
(d) Two years

2. How much was the fine that Shakira paid as part of the settlement?
(a) €14.5m
(b) €23.8m
(c) €7.5m
(d) €17.2m

3. What were the allegations against Shakira in the tax fraud case?
(a) €14.5m in unpaid taxes
(b) €7.5m in unpaid taxes
(c) €23.8m in unpaid taxes
(d) €17.2m in unpaid taxes

4. Why did Shakira settle the case?
(a) To avoid a jail sentence
(b) To avoid a larger fine
(c) All of the above
(d) In the best interest of her children

5. What was the main issue in the case regarding Shakira’s residency status?
(a) Whether she listed her official residence elsewhere
(b) Whether she spent more than six months in Spain
(c) All of the above
(d) Whether she was living in Spain or not

6. What evidence did prosecutors present to support their claim that Shakira was living in Spain?
(a) She spent significant time outside of Spain
(b) She purchased a house in Barcelona
(c) She declared Spain as her place of residence for tax purposes
(d) She has a Spanish partner

7. Why did Shakira express frustration with the Spanish tax authorities?
(a) She believed they targeted her because of her relationship with Gerard Piqué
(b) She believed they unfairly accused her of tax fraud
(c) She believed they did not properly investigate her case
(d) She believed they were biased against international artists

8. What did Shakira emphasize in her statement regarding the tax fraud case?
(a) The toll the case has taken on her well-being
(b) Her desire to move forward and focus on her children and career
(c) Her commitment to doing what is right and setting a positive example
(d) All of the above

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Shakira settled in the best interest of her children, according to her statement.
2. She has paid a €7.5m fine to avoid a potential jail sentence of eight years.
3. She had previously accepted a deal offered by prosecutors and chose to avoid trial instead.
4. The allegations against Shakira involved €15.5m in unpaid taxes.
5. Shakira argued that Spain was not her primary place of residence during that time.
6. Shakira has not reached a settlement with Spanish prosecutors in a tax fraud case.
7. The case revolved around Shakira’s citizenship status between 2012 and 2014.
8. Shakira expressed frustration with the Spanish tax authorities, claiming they targeted her because of her relationship with Gerard Piqué.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What were the allegations against Shakira in the Spanish tax fraud case?
2. How much did Shakira agree to pay as a fine to settle the tax fraud case, and what was the potential sentence she avoided?
3. On what grounds did Shakira argue that she was not a resident of Spain for tax purposes between 2012 and 2014?
4. What evidence did prosecutors use to claim Shakira was a resident of Spain, and how did her lawyers counter this claim?
5. What reasons did Shakira give for feeling targeted by the Spanish tax authorities, and how has she addressed her tax status since 2015?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What was the amount of the fine Shakira paid to settle the tax fraud case with Spanish prosecutors?
Shakira paid a €7.5m fine to settle the tax fraud case.

2. What was the potential jail sentence and larger fine Shakira could have faced had she not settled?
Shakira could have faced a potential jail sentence of eight years and a larger fine of €23.8m.

3. How much in unpaid taxes was Shakira accused of owing?
Shakira was accused of owing €14.5m in unpaid taxes.

4. For what reason did Shakira state she settled the tax fraud case?
Shakira stated she settled the tax fraud case in the best interest of her children.

5. What years were in question regarding Shakira’s residency status for the tax fraud case?
The years in question regarding Shakira’s residency status were between 2012 and 2014.

6. What evidence did prosecutors present to claim Shakira was a resident of Spain?
Prosecutors presented evidence that Shakira had purchased a house in Barcelona in 2012, which became a family home for her and her then-partner, Gerard Piqué.

7. How much in taxes did Shakira say she has paid after declaring Spain as her place of residence for tax purposes in 2015?
Shakira said she has paid €17.2m in taxes after declaring Spain as her place of residence for tax purposes in 2015.

8. What was Gerard Piqué fined for, and how much was the fine?
Gerard Piqué was fined €2.1m for tax evasion between 2008 and 2010.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Shakira
(2) avoiding
(3) taxes
(4) rejected
(5) status
(6) Prosecutors
(7) country
(8) considered
(9) period
(10) spent
(11) targeted
(12) declared
(13) couple
(14) years
(15) taken
(16) focus
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. settlement
Answer: (f) Resolution of a legal dispute or disagreement

2. prosecutors
Answer: (e) Legal representatives who bring charges against someone in court

3. fine
Answer: (g) A sum of money paid as punishment for breaking the law

4. jail
Answer: (a) A place where criminals are held as punishment

5. allegations
Answer: (b) Claims or accusations made against someone

6. trial
Answer: (d) A formal examination of evidence in a court of law

7. residency
Answer: (c) The status of being a legal resident in a particular place

8. authorities
Answer: (h) Government officials responsible for enforcing laws and regulations
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What was the potential jail sentence Shakira faced if she had not reached a settlement?
Answer: (b) Eight years

2. How much was the fine that Shakira paid as part of the settlement?
Answer: (c) €7.5m

3. What were the allegations against Shakira in the tax fraud case?
Answer: (a) €14.5m in unpaid taxes

4. Why did Shakira settle the case?
Answer: (d) In the best interest of her children

5. What was the main issue in the case regarding Shakira’s residency status?
Answer: (d) Whether she was living in Spain or not

6. What evidence did prosecutors present to support their claim that Shakira was living in Spain?
Answer: (b) She purchased a house in Barcelona

7. Why did Shakira express frustration with the Spanish tax authorities?
Answer: (a) She believed they targeted her because of her relationship with Gerard Piqué

8. What did Shakira emphasize in her statement regarding the tax fraud case?
Answer: (c) Her commitment to doing what is right and setting a positive example
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Shakira settled in the best interest of her children, according to her statement. (Answer: True)
2. She has paid a €7.5m fine to avoid a potential jail sentence of eight years. (Answer: True)
3. She had previously accepted a deal offered by prosecutors and chose to avoid trial instead. (Answer: False)
4. The allegations against Shakira involved €15.5m in unpaid taxes. (Answer: False)
5. Shakira argued that Spain was not her primary place of residence during that time. (Answer: True)
6. Shakira has not reached a settlement with Spanish prosecutors in a tax fraud case. (Answer: False)
7. The case revolved around Shakira’s citizenship status between 2012 and 2014. (Answer: False)
8. Shakira expressed frustration with the Spanish tax authorities, claiming they targeted her because of her relationship with Gerard Piqué. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧