Shakira Cleared of Tax Evasion by Spanish High Court

On Monday, Spain’s High Court acquitted Colombian pop icon Shakira of tax evasion charges, annulling a hefty fine of nearly $64 million that had been imposed on her and mandating that she repay the full amount along with interest.

This decision concludes an eight-year legal struggle between Shakira and the Spanish Tax Administration (AEAT). The AEAT accused her of tax evasion dating back to 2011, culminating in a significant fine in 2021. Throughout this time, Shakira maintained her innocence and sought a resolution through the courts.

In her appeal, Shakira effectively demonstrated to Spain’s Audiencia Nacional High Court that she had not lived in Spain for more than 183 days during 2011, which is the threshold for being classified as a tax resident. Consequently, the court concluded that the fine was unjust, as she had no tax obligations that year.

“After enduring years of intense public scrutiny, a relentless campaign to tarnish my reputation, and countless sleepless nights that took a toll on my health and my family’s well-being, the National Court of Justice has finally set the record straight,” Shakira shared in a statement via her attorney. She emphasized, “There was never any fraud, and the tax office couldn’t prove it because it wasn’t true.”

Shakira expressed hope that her acquittal might set a positive precedent for many ordinary citizens facing similar situations, who are often presumed guilty and forced to prove their innocence amid financial and emotional stress. “This victory is dedicated to them,” she remarked.

According to the Spanish newspaper “ABC,” during 2011, Shakira was busy touring internationally, performing 120 concerts across 37 countries. The AEAT had claimed that her fiscal obligations in Spain were tied to her relationship with her former partner, Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué.

Although Shakira and Piqué were never married, they share two children. They ended their long-term relationship in 2022 after allegations of infidelity emerged. The High Court ruled that their relationship did not equate to marriage legally and noted a lack of any financial interests or activities tied to Shakira in Spain for that year.

In 2023, Shakira moved from Spain to Miami, Florida, with her children.

Her breakup with Piqué and the tax controversy appear to have inspired some of her 2023 lyrics, where she alludes to being left with debts and issues involving the media and tax authorities.

Earlier in 2023, Shakira faced a tax evasion conviction and paid over $8 million related to a case from 2012-2014.

One of her lawyers, Jose Luis Pardo, mentioned that the recent ruling could have significantly impacted earlier events, potentially altering the outcome of past proceedings. “It’s hard to say for sure, and each tax year stands alone. But the same arguments concerning residency and absence could have provided us a stronger position,” he noted.

Shakira now joins a small but notable group of artists, journalists, and athletes who have successfully opposed large fines from Spain’s Revenue Agency. This list includes former partner Gerard Piqué, who had approximately $2.4 million in fines overturned for alleged violations, as well as other famous figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom reached settlements with Spanish tax authorities over tax evasion claims.