Barcelona’s court is set to scrutinize the acclaimed Colombian singer Shakira’s expenses as she prepares to face allegations of tax evasion amounting to millions of euros. The trial, commencing next Monday, will put the spotlight on one of the world’s most recognized voices in pop music.
International star Shakira-Source: X
Shakira, a global superstar with numerous chart-topping hits, including “Waka Waka” and “Hips Don’t Lie,” denies the charges vehemently. The Spanish tax authorities accuse her of evading taxes on income and property in Spain for the years 2012-2014. According to the prosecution, Shakira was living in Spain for more than half of each year during this period, which would make her a tax resident.
The defense counters these accusations, stating that even though Shakira began a relationship with former FC Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique in 2011, she continued to travel globally due to professional commitments. They assert that Shakira only became a permanent resident of Barcelona at the end of 2014 and transferred her tax residency from the Bahamas to Spain in 2015.
Shakira’s legal team emphasized that she has meticulously respected her tax obligations in various jurisdictions, highlighting that she has already paid €17.2 million to Spanish tax authorities as part of settling this case.
The Spanish Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated another case against Shakira this summer for alleged tax fraud in 2018, estimated at six million euros.
Intrusive Investigations
In a bid to substantiate the charges, Spanish tax authorities have interrogated Shakira’s neighbors, scrutinized her social media accounts, and examined her expenses, including those at hair salons and medical clinics during her pregnancy. Her legal team has condemned these methods as unacceptable.
Personal and Artistic Ventures
Recently, Shakira has been in the limelight not only for her tax issues but also her difficult breakup with Pique. She touched upon this personal turmoil in her successful song, “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” which won the Latin Grammy for “Song of the Year.”
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Trial Date | Monday, Next Week |
| Charges | Tax Fraud of Approximately €14.5 Million |
| Prosecution’s Demand | Over Eight Years Imprisonment, €23.8 Million Fine |
| Shakira’s Global Hits | “Waka Waka,” “Hips Don’t Lie” |
| Response to Allegations | Strong Denial |
| Duration of Trial | Until December 14 |
| Number of Witnesses | Around 120 |
Shakira’s trial presents a complex mix of fame, personal struggles, and legal challenges, drawing global attention to the often-private financial dealings of celebrities and their interactions with tax laws. As the court proceedings unfold, the international community watches closely, marking a significant moment in the career of one of Latin pop’s biggest stars.
