Spanish Authorities and Colombian Icon Shakira Reach Settlement in Tax Evasion Lawsuit
Shakira, the Colombian superstar, successfully resolves her tax evasion case with Spanish authorities, averting a scheduled trial
Colombian pop sensation Shakira reached a settlement in her tax evasion lawsuit with the Spanish authorities, thus avoiding an imminent trial in Barcelona. As the court proceedings commenced, the judge informed both parties' submission of a last-minute agreement to prevent the trial. The judge inquired if Shakira was aware of the terms and fines agreed upon, to which she affirmed her knowledge.
The singer's communication team released a statement shortly after, announcing that her lawyers had reached an agreement to resolve a tax case that spanned from 2012 to 2014. In her statement, Shakira expressed her readiness to face trial and defend her innocence, but ultimately decided that winning at the cost of losing so many years of her life was not a triumph.
Paris, France - July 5, 2023: Shakira is spotted attending the Viktor & Rolf Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show during Paris Fashion Week. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)
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"I was faced with two choices: continue fighting until the end, sacrificing my peace of mind and that of my children, abandoning my passion for making music, releasing albums, and going on tours, all while being unable to truly enjoy my career and the things I love; or come to an agreement, close this chapter of my life, and move forward, looking towards the future," she stated.
The Spanish prosecutors claimed that the acclaimed singer, who has won Grammy awards, had not paid her personal income and wealth taxes from 2012 to 2014, amounting to approximately $15.6 million.
Judge Marco Jesús JuberÃas ruled in 2021 that Shakira, having resided in Spain for more than 200 days annually for three consecutive years, is obligated to pay taxes according to Spain's tax code. Per the country's tax code, individuals who spend a minimum of six months and a day, or 183 days, within Spain during a particular year are liable for tax payments.
In an interview with Elle magazine in September 2022, the Colombian pop star refuted the accusations as "false."
Explaining further, the artist stated, "I want to clarify that I did not spend 183 days per year during that time at all. My busy schedule involved fulfilling professional commitments worldwide. Additionally, I have already paid everything they alleged I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. Therefore, as of today, I do not owe them anything." The artist emphasized her intention to have her day in court, as it is a matter of principle.
