Colombian superstar Shakira finds herself facing yet another tax evasion allegation by the Spanish government, marking the second time she’s been embroiled in such legal troubles.
Spanish prosecutors have recently charged the renowned singer with defrauding the state of a substantial €6.7 million (equivalent to $7.1 million or £5.8 million) in the year 2018. These accusations revolve around her alleged failure to declare substantial sums of money, including advance payments related to her El Dorado World Tour.
While the second investigation into Shakira’s tax affairs was initiated back in July 2023, the details of these fresh allegations only came to light recently.
It appears that the 46-year-old artist is aware of the new charges, though her legal team, based in Miami where she currently resides, has not been formally informed of them yet. Their current focus remains on preparing for a trial related to tax allegations from the years 2012 to 2014, scheduled to commence on November 20, according to a statement provided to Reuters.
The new allegations primarily hinge on Shakira’s residence in Barcelona during 2018, where she lived with football star Gerard Pique. Spanish tax authorities argue that during this time, Shakira was obligated to declare and pay taxes on all her international earnings within Spain.
However, they allege that she redirected her substantial earnings through “companies domiciled in countries with low taxation and high opacity,” thus evading Spanish taxes.
Shakira is already facing a trial for six separate alleged tax crimes in Barcelona, set to take place this November. She has consistently denied all charges levied against her in this case, which involve an alleged failure to pay €14.5 million (approximately $15.3 million or £12.6 million) in taxes between 2012 and 2014.
In a recent interview with the Spanish edition of Elle magazine, Shakira expressed her confidence in her defense, stating, “I am confident that I have enough proof to support my case and that justice will prevail in my favor.”
The ongoing legal saga surrounding Shakira’s tax affairs continues to capture headlines, leaving fans and observers curious about the eventual outcome and its potential impact on her career and reputation.
