As her legal troubles mount and more troubling updates come out of her tax fraud case, Shakira is just trying to keep her head up.
MORE: Shakira speaks out about tax fraud allegations ahead of courtroom trial
The singer has had quite the tumultuous year, having separated from her boyfriend of eleven years Gerard Piqué, and she has been the subject of a $13.9 million tax evasion case by the Spanish government.
Through the ongoing ups and downs, she is simply trying to focus on the wellbeing of her children, and recently broke her silence on both her unexpected break-up, and the case.
WATCH: Shakira shakes her hips in new music video for Te Felicito
MORE: Shakira opens up about separation from Gerard Piqué and her sons' reaction
"I've remained quiet and just tried to process it all," she first said when asked about her recent break-up by Elle.
However, she admitted: "It's been tough not only for me, but also for my kids. Incredibly difficult."
Shakira detailed that going through all her latest hardships isn't made easier when it all happens in the spotlight, revealing that: "I have paparazzi camping outside, in front of my house, 24/7. You know, we can't take a walk in the park like a regular family or go have an ice cream or do any activity without paparazzi following us."
© Photo: Getty ImagesShakira and Piqué were together for eleven years prior to their split
She also said: "I've tried to conceal the situation in front of my kids. I try to do it and to protect them, because that's my number one mission in life. But then they hear things in school from their friends or they come across some disagreeable, unpleasant news online, and it just affects them, you know?"
MORE: Shakira shares heartfelt tribute to father in emotional post
MORE: Inside Shakira's 11-year relationship with Gerard Pique – and real reason they never married
The Hips Don't Lie hitmaker's world got further shaken up just on 27 September, when it was announced that Spanish authorities cleared the way for prosecutors to pursue further legal action, and ordered she take the stand.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe singer has two boys with the soccer star, Sasha, seven, and Milan, nine
Though a trial date has not yet been set, per the Associated Press, the star faces a possible eight-year sentence, on top of a large fine, if she is found guilty of not paying taxes from 2012 to 2014.
Still, she maintains she has done any wrong, and the AP reports that her public relations firm insisted that she has paid not only what she owed, but also $3 million in interest.
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