Shakira Acquitted in Tax Fraud Case
Spain’s National Court has reportedly absolved Shakira of a $69 million tax fraud allegation that dates back to 2018.
The tax authorities claimed that Shakira had spent enough time in Spain to be classified as a tax resident in 2011. However, the court found in her favor, with Billboard referencing a judicial document. The court also mandated that approximately 60 million euros, which is over $69 million, be returned to her. It appears the court ruled that this amount includes interest, as reported by Reuters.
The tax agency has stated that they plan to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, meaning the payment will be delayed until a final ruling is made. This case has been ongoing since she was originally charged in 2018, according to Page Six.
Shakira expressed her relief, stating, “After more than eight years enduring brutal public accusations and sleepless nights that took a toll on my health and my family’s well-being, the National Court has finally set the record straight,” as quoted by Billboard.
She further emphasized, “There was never any fraud, and the Administration itself was never able to prove otherwise.”
The tax authorities were reportedly unable to substantiate their claims that Shakira owed taxes in Spain for her income from her 2011 world tour, during which she performed at 120 concerts in 37 countries. The prosecution argued that Spain was the primary hub for her economic activities, but the court disagreed, asserting that she didn’t meet the residency requirements for taxation in Spain. Ultimately, the ruling favored Shakira and ordered the government to pay her interest and legal fees.
Her lawyer, José Luis Prada, described this long struggle as an “eight-year ordeal” and credited Shakira with having the resilience to see it through. He noted that the litigation process tends to overwhelm many less prominent taxpayers who lack the means for a proper defense, according to Billboard.
Shakira expressed hope that this court decision could serve as a precedent for others facing similar challenges with Spain’s Tax Agency.
In November 2023, Shakira did reach an agreement with Spanish officials regarding a separate tax issue involving unpaid taxes from 2012 to 2014. She admitted to six charges related to unpaid taxes, resulting in a fine of $7.6 million and a three-year suspended sentence.
Meanwhile, Shakira recently performed at a free concert in Rio de Janeiro, which drew 2.5 million attendees, and she’s gearing up for a halftime performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where she will take the stage alongside BTS and Madonna.
