Legendary pop star Shakira has once again been hit with charges of tax evasion in Spain, adding to the ongoing legal battle between the Colombian singer and the Spanish government.
According to Spanish prosecutors, Shakira failed to pay 6.7 million euros ($7.1 million) in taxes on her 2018 income, using an offshore company to avoid her tax obligations. This marks the second set of charges against the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer, as she is already facing allegations for not paying taxes from 2012 to 2014.
Shakira currently resides in Miami but has been notified of the latest charges by Spanish authorities. A representative for the singer has yet to comment on the situation.
The 44-year-old pop star has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has maintained her innocence throughout the investigation. In previous statements, her representatives have stated that Shakira has always cooperated with the Spanish Tax Office and has followed the advice of the respected tax firm PriceWaterhouse Coopers.
However, Spanish authorities have accused Shakira of falsely claiming her official residence was in the Bahamas during the time period in question, which would exempt her from paying taxes in Spain. The pop star has also been linked to Spain due to her relationship with former soccer player Gerard Piqué, with whom she has shared a home in Barcelona for over a decade. The couple announced their split last year after 11 years together.
In 2019, Shakira rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors and the case was moved to trial. If found guilty, the singer could face up to eight years and two months in prison, as well as a fine of approximately $25 million.
Spain has recently been cracking down on tax evasion by high-profile individuals, including soccer stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. In these cases, the defendants were found guilty but avoided prison time due to a provision that allows first-time offenders to have their sentences waived if they are under two years in length.
The case against Shakira will head to court in November, where she will have the opportunity to defend herself against these latest allegations. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Shakira has continued to release music and remains a beloved figure in the pop music world.
While the outcome of the trial remains uncertain, one thing is for sure – this will be a highly publicized and closely watched case that will have significant implications for both the singer and the Spanish government. Fans and critics alike will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this legal battle and the impact it will have on both Shakira’s image and her bank account.
