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Spanish court rules in Shakira's favor in tax dispute
Spain's national high court has ordered the country's tax authority to refund €55 million (£48 million, $64 million) to Colombian singer Shakira, ruling that the funds were improperly collected. The court acquitted her of tax fraud charges, citing insufficient evidence that she met the residency requirement for taxation in 2011.
Court findings and Shakira's response
The ruling stated that tax authorities failed to prove Shakira spent 183 days in Spain during 2011-the minimum threshold for tax residency. The court determined she was present for only 163 days, falling short of the requirement. The refund includes €24 million in income tax and nearly €25 million in fines, which the court deemed unlawful.
"Today, that narrative crumbles, and it does so with the full force of a court ruling. There was never any fraud, and the Administration itself could never prove otherwise, simply because it wasn't true."
Shakira
Shakira, 49, expressed relief in a statement, saying the court had "finally set the record straight" after eight years of "brutal public targeting" and campaigns that damaged her reputation and well-being. She added that she was treated as guilty throughout the process, with leaks and distortions amplifying the case against her.
Tax authority to appeal
Spain's tax agency announced it would appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, delaying any repayment until a final ruling is issued. The case centers solely on the 2011 fiscal year and does not address subsequent tax years.
Background of the case
Shakira, known for hits like Hips Don't Lie and Wherever, Whenever, has faced multiple tax-related legal challenges in Spain. In 2023, she settled a separate tax fraud case covering 2012-2014, paying a €7.5 million fine to avoid trial. Prosecutors had initially sought an eight-year prison sentence and a €23.8 million fine.
In 2024, another investigation into her 2018 tax payments was dropped due to a lack of evidence. Shakira has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating she settled the 2023 case "with the best interest of my kids at heart."
Shakira's recent and upcoming projects
The ruling comes as Shakira prepares to conclude her Women Don't Cry Anymore world tour with a residency in Madrid starting in September. She is also scheduled to perform alongside Madonna and BTS during the halftime show at this summer's FIFA Men's World Cup final.
Earlier this month, over two million people attended her free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, underscoring her enduring global popularity.
