Colombian pop superstar Shakira has been fully acquitted of tax fraud allegations in Spain, bringing an end to an eight-year legal saga that she claims took a significant toll on her and her family. The Grammy-winning singer, known for hits like 'Hips Don't Lie', expressed relief following the ruling, stating the ordeal had severely impacted her health and family's well-being.
The protracted legal battle centred on accusations that Shakira failed to pay 14.5 million Euros (approximately £12.3 million) in income tax to Spanish authorities between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors had alleged that she spent more than 183 days a year in Spain during this period, thereby making her a tax resident. Shakira consistently denied these claims, asserting that she resided primarily in the Bahamas at the time and only made occasional visits to Spain.
Reports now indicate that not only has she been cleared of all charges, but she is also set to receive a substantial reimbursement from the Spanish tax authorities. While the exact figure has not been disclosed, it is expected to be a significant sum, reflecting overpaid taxes and potentially interest accumulated during the dispute.
This acquittal marks the resolution of one of several tax-related issues Shakira has faced in Spain. In 2023, she reached a settlement in a separate case, agreeing to pay a fine of 7.3 million Euros (£6.2 million) and acknowledging tax evasion, though she maintained her innocence. Another investigation into alleged tax fraud from 2018 was also dropped earlier this year. The consistent legal challenges have cast a shadow over her career and personal life, particularly following her separation from former Barcelona footballer Gerard Piqué, with whom she shares two children.
The singer's legal team has consistently argued that the Spanish tax system's interpretation of her residency was overly aggressive and failed to account for the nature of an international artist's career. The resolution of this latest and most significant case provides Shakira with a clear path forward, free from the ongoing burden of legal proceedings.