Shakira Cleared of Tax Evasion Charges by Spanish Court

A Spanish court has ruled in favor of Shakira in a long-standing tax evasion case, concluding that authorities failed to establish that she was a resident of Spain. The court instructed the Spanish government to return over $64 million in incorrectly imposed fines.

The ruling involves a dispute centered around the tax year of 2011, where the court confirmed that Spanish authorities could only demonstrate that Shakira spent 163 days in Spain that year. To be classified as a tax resident, she would need to have stayed for more than 183 days.

Consequently, the Treasury Department is now required to repay both taxes and interest to the “Whenever, Wherever” singer.

“After facing over eight years of harsh public scrutiny, a relentless campaign to tarnish my reputation, and sleepless nights that impacted my health and family, the National High Court has finally corrected the record,” Shakira stated. “There was no wrongdoing, and the government could never substantiate any claims against me simply because they were not true.”

Shakira also expressed frustration with the way she had been treated: “For nearly a decade, I was presumed guilty. Every detail of this process was leaked and twisted. My name and public persona have been manipulated to send intimidatory messages to other taxpayers.” She added that the court’s decision not only vindicates her situation but ideally sets a precedent for fairness in dealings with others who face similar scrutiny.

Spain’s tax officials maintained that Shakira was using the country as a base for her financial activities while in a relationship with soccer player Gerard Pique. Nevertheless, the court concluded that this relationship did not equate to a legal marriage, which further weakened the case against her.

The ruling comes after a series of tax issues for the artist, who had previously settled a separate tax evasion case with authorities in 2023. During her trial’s initial session, she acknowledged that she had not paid around $15.8 million in taxes from 2012 to 2014, leading to an additional penalty of $8 million.

Shakira was also accused of evading approximately $7.2 million in taxes on her income from 2018 via an offshore entity. However, those charges were dismissed in May 2024.