Spanish High Court recently ruled in favor of global pop superstar Shakira in a landmark tax fraud case. The court has acquitted the singer in the case, stating that Spain’s tax authority has failed to prove Shakira to be a tax resident of the country for that particular tax year.
THE RULING
The ruling came as a relief to the Columbia native after years of controversy with Spanish authorities concerning tax matters. The court ordered Spanish authorities to pay back Shakira over €55 million ($64 million) in taxes. With interest included, it scales up to $70 million.
As reported by the BBC, this ruling related to a tax fraud in the 2011 tax year. Prosecutors said that Shakira was effectively residing in Spain due to her then relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué. This means that she would have been liable for paying taxes on her income and wealth while living in Spain.
According to Spanish laws, one is considered a resident in Spain if a person stays for over 183 days within a year. However, the court ruled that it had not been proven by the prosecution that Shakira was a resident in 2011. The court noted that there was proof indicating that the singer spent just 163 days in Spain during that time.
This case is considered to be one of the greatest triumphs of celebrities in the struggle of Spain. A claim tagged against the supposed tax evasion conducted by rich public figures. In a statement, Shakira stated that she has never been involved in any form of fraud. “Absolutely there has never been any fraud,” she declared. The songster also described the matter as an “eight-year ordeal that has affected both my personal and professional lives.” Jose Luis Prada, Shakira’s attorney, stated the decision of the court proves the investigations conducted by Spanish tax authorities were flawed from day one.
NEW SHAKIRA FIFA SONG
This case win comes before the release of Shakira’s most recent single ‘Dai Dai‘ with Nigerian star Burna Boy. The song, co-written by her, Ed Sheeran, Jon Bellion, and a few others, is being themed as the official 2026 FIFA soundtrack. Shakira will also perform alongside Madonna and BTS during the half-time show at this summer’s FIFA Men’s World Cup final, it was announced in early May.