Shakira to Face Trial Over Charges of Tax Fraud in Spain

Shakira has been charged a $13.9 million tax evasion case.

On Tuesday, Spanish authorities cleared the way for prosecutors to pursue further legal action against the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer, 45, reported the Associated Press.

A trial date has not yet been set, per the outlet, but the star faces a possible eight-year sentence plus a large fine if she is found guilty of not paying taxes from 2012 to 2014.

In July, she rejected a settlement offer in the case, according to Reuters, which would have settled the case out of court.

Shakira’s lawyers have stated that up until 2014, she acquired her income mostly from international tours. She spent most of that time outside Spain, therefore it’s not an evasion.

“The Spanish tax authorities saw that I was dating a Spanish citizen and started to salivate. It’s clear they wanted to go after that money no matter what”, she told Elle magazine.

Shakira declared Spain to be her place of residence for tax purposes in 2015. She said she has paid €17.2m in tax and has no outstanding debts.

Pique, Shakira’s ex-husband was also fined €2.1m in a separate case in 2019. The Spanish national court for charged him for evading tax between 2008 and 2010.

The power couple split up in early June after 11 years of marriage. They have two sons together, aged seven and nine.