Shakira Tax Case

Colombian pop icon Shakira has successfully avoided a trial over allegations of failing to pay €14.5 million in Spanish income tax between 2012 and 2014. The 46-year-old singer reached a settlement that replaces potential jail time with fines, as confirmed by the judge overseeing the case. Shakira is concurrently facing another tax fraud investigation in Spain.

Shakira, born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, maintained her innocence by asserting that she had paid the amount claimed by the tax office before legal action was initiated. She argued that her profession led to a “nomadic life,” and during the mentioned period, she was not residing in Spain. Notably, Shakira shared a life with former Barcelona and Spain footballer Gerard Piqué for 11 years, during which they had two children. Following their separation, she relocated to Miami.

Contradicting Shakira’s claims, the prosecutor’s office contended that she spent more than half of each year in question in Spain, establishing her as an ordinary resident. The purchase of a Barcelona property in May 2012 further supported the argument that it served as a family home.

This legal episode aligns with Spain’s ongoing efforts to combat tax evasion among high-profile figures. Notably, other celebrities, including football stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Diego Costa, have faced similar accusations, ultimately settling and paying substantial fines. In a recent development, Spain’s supreme court upheld the acquittal of Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso in a separate tax case. Alonso’s decision to go to trial rather than settle resulted in his victory.

The outcome of Shakira’s second tax fraud investigation remains uncertain as Spanish authorities continue to scrutinize the financial activities of high-profile individuals.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times