Renowned singer and multiple Grammy award-winner Shakira appeared at a Barcelona courthouse. She unexpectedly accepted a deal in a tax evasion case that had been looming over her for several years. The Latin Grammy recipient waved and blew a kiss to a small crowd before entering the courthouse. She faced a panel of judges flanked by teams of prosecutors and defense attorneys.
Shakira’s defense lawyer, Miriam Company, addressed reporters, stating, “This has been a difficult decision that took time. Her legal team had prepared the trial and were convinced we could demonstrate her innocence, but the circumstances changed, and (Shakira) opted to accept the deal.”
The decision marks a turnaround from July 2022 when Shakira rejected a deal offered by prosecutors, expressing her belief in her innocence and entrusting the matter to the legal process. The specifics of the initial deal were not disclosed at the time.
The tax evasion case against Shakira stemmed from her inclusion in the “Paradise Papers” leaks, which unveiled offshore tax arrangements of various high-profile individuals. The singer and celebrities like Madonna and Bono were implicated in the leaked documents. Shakira’s public relations firm asserted that she had already settled her dues and paid an additional 3 million euros (approximately $3.2 million) in interest.
In defense, Shakira’s legal team argued that she did not meet the criteria for Spanish fiscal residency during the period in question, citing her extensive global travels for a world tour in 2011 and her involvement in the United States as part of the jury for the NBC television music talent show, The Voice.
Despite the defense’s claims, Spanish prosecutors and investigating judge Marco Juberías found sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. The trial, which began in Barcelona, was abruptly concluded when Shakira unexpectedly accepted a deal.
The tax-related challenges for Shakira, however, are far from over. In a separate investigation initiated in September, she faces charges of allegedly evading more than $7 million in income tax in 2018 through the use of an offshore company. This ongoing legal saga underscores the complexities surrounding international tax arrangements and the scrutiny faced by high-profile figures in the entertainment industry.
While the Barcelona trial concluded swiftly, leaving lingering questions about the details of the deal Shakira accepted, the artist’s legal battles persist. The intricacies of offshore financial structures, global residencies, and tax obligations continue to be a focal point in the ongoing narrative of Shakira’s interactions with Spain’s tax authorities.
In a surprise move, Shakira’s trial for tax evasion in Barcelona ended quickly. She chose to take a deal instead of sticking to her earlier claim of being innocent. Her legal team, once confident, changed their tune, leading to this unexpected choice. The deal’s specifics are unknown, closing a case linked to the “Paradise Papers” that hung over Shakira.
Her defense said she wasn’t a tax resident in Spain during the time in question due to her constant travels for work. But Spanish authorities thought otherwise, leading to the trial. This new deal adds more to Shakira’s legal troubles, including another investigation about a $7 million tax issue in 2018.
Shakira’s tax problems highlight how complex international taxes and finances can be, especially for famous folks in entertainment. As the trial ends abruptly, people wonder about the deal’s details and what it means for Shakira’s taxes in Spain. Her ongoing tax story shows how tricky global taxes are, especially for public figures.
