The Grammy Award-winning Colombian music sensation, Shakira, is facing a trial in Barcelona, Spain for alleged tax fraud. The 46-year-old singer is accused of defrauding the Spanish state of 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) between 2012 and 2014. Shakira denies the charges, claiming that she only moved to Spain full-time in 2015.
Spanish authorities argue that Shakira spent more than half of the accused period in Spain and should have paid taxes in the country. They claim that she used a network of companies based in tax havens to avoid paying taxes in Spain. Shakira’s lawyer defends her, stating that until 2014, she had a nomadic life and earned most of her income from international tours. It is argued that she permanently moved to Barcelona just before the birth of her second son in January 2015.
The trial began today at a Barcelona court and is expected to run until December 14. The prosecution is seeking an eight-year and two-month jail term, along with a fine of nearly 24 million euros ($24 million) for the singer. Shakira is set to testify during the opening session, but she may request to be absent from the remaining hearings.
This highly publicized trial shines a light on Shakira’s private life, with Spanish prosecutors conducting a thorough investigation that includes interviews with neighbors, tracking social media activity, and examining payments at local establishments. The outcome of the case is significant, given Spain’s recent crackdown on tax evasion by celebrities, including football stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The trial follows the revelation of Shakira’s financial affairs in the Pandora Papers leak in October 2021, which exposed details related to her residence in the Bahamas. As the proceedings progress, the world will be watching to see the final verdict and the impact it may have on other prominent figures facing similar financial matters in Spain.
In an interview with Elle magazine in 2022, Shakira asserted, I’ve paid everything they claimed I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. So, as of today, I owe zero to them. This statement aligns with her denial of the charges and highlights her determination to fight the accusations against her.
With nearly 120 witnesses expected to be heard during the trial, both the defense and prosecution will present their arguments and evidence to support their respective positions. This high-profile case serves as a test for Spain’s legal system and its ability to address alleged tax fraud by celebrities.
In conclusion, Shakira’s trial for alleged tax fraud has commenced in Barcelona, Spain. The global music icon denies the charges and claims to have already paid what was owed. The trial, which will last until December 14, is expected to provide insight into Shakira’s private life and shed light on Spain’s crackdown on tax evasion by high-profile individuals. The final verdict will have implications for other celebrities facing similar financial matters in the country.
