Shakira Embroiled in Yet Another Tax Investigation in Spain, Shocking New Allegations Surface

Shakira continues to grapple with legal issues, as she confronts yet another tax fraud case in Spain. The Spanish court revealed on Thursday, July 20, that a fresh inquiry into the singer's financial affairs will be initiated. According to Reuters, the investigation will examine the purported fraudulent evasion of income and wealth taxes in 2018.

Shakira, aged 46, is scheduled to go on trial in November for a separate tax fraud case. The accusation is that she failed to pay $13.9 million in taxes on the income she earned between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors in Spain initiated legal proceedings against the singer in 2018. They claimed that despite Shakira officially residing in the Bahamas at the time, she had actually resided in the Catalonia region from 2012 to 2014 and therefore owed taxes to Spain.

Despite the repeated denials from Shakira, she is adamant that she did not spend 183 days per year in Spain during that period. She stated in an interview with Elle in September 2022 that she was occupied fulfilling her professional commitments worldwide. Additionally, Shakira claims to have paid the full amount of taxes that were claimed before the lawsuit was even filed. Therefore, she confidently asserts that she has no outstanding debts to Spain.

The musician behind the hit song "Hips Don't Lie" commented, "It is widely recognized that the Spanish tax authorities frequently engage in such practices, targeting not only celebrities like myself but also ordinary taxpayers unjustly. It is simply their way of operating."

If proven guilty, the Grammy winner might face severe repercussions. In July 2022, Spanish prosecutors disclosed their intention to pursue an eight-year jail sentence and a 23 million euro fine.

Shakira has resided both in Spain and elsewhere for many years. In 2012, she acquired a residence in Barcelona alongside her then-boyfriend Gerard Piqué. The couple, who are parents to Milan, 10, and Sasha, 8, decided to part ways in June 2022 after being together for 12 years. Rumors circulated that Shakira had discovered Piqué, 36, engaging in an extramarital affair, although neither of them addressed these allegations at the time. Nonetheless, they officially confirmed their separation during the same month.

"We sadly announce our decision to part ways," stated the former couple in a joint statement to Reuters. "In consideration of our children's wellbeing, as they remain our utmost priority, we kindly request that their privacy be respected."

Shakira revealed in February how the separation had compelled her personal growth.

"When a woman encounters challenges in life, it fortifies her strength. By emerging stronger, she demonstrates her ability to acknowledge weaknesses and embrace vulnerability," she expressed in Spanish during an interview with Enrique Acevedo of Canal Estrellas. "I feel whole - I rely on myself and have two children who depend on me." In April, Shakira took a significant stride in her process of healing by announcing her choice to relocate from Barcelona together with her sons.

"I relocated to Barcelona to provide my children with a sense of stability, and now we are searching for that same stability in a different part of the world, close to our family, friends, and the ocean," she wrote in Spanish, accompanied by an Instagram photo of the renowned city. "Today, we embark on a new chapter in pursuit of their happiness. I am grateful to everyone who supported me through the ups and downs in Barcelona, where I learned that friendships can last longer than romantic relationships."

While Shakira prioritizes her sons after the breakup, there have been speculation and rumors about her romantic involvement with NBA star Jimmy Butler in recent months. Shakira and Butler, 33, were recently seen together at London's Novikov Restaurant & Bar. According to an exclusive source, the pair has gone out a few times, but it is too early to determine if their relationship has long-term potential.

The age difference of 13 years between Shakira and Jimmy doesn't bother her at all. She is happy and enjoys spending time with him.

As for Piqué, he has moved on with his girlfriend Clara Chia Marti, whom he was first linked to in August 2022. In March, he expressed his contentment with his life, stating that he continues to do what he wants and be true to himself. He has no intention of spending money to improve his image.