PremiumShakira returns to Barcelona to face her alleged tax fraud trial
Shakira is set to tackle her tax fraud allegations in court, on Nov. 20 this year. If convicted, barring a last minute guilty plea, the Latina legend will be forced to face jail time and a hefty fine.
Last Updated: 05.24 AM, Nov 18, 2023
Latin singing sensation Shakira has had no reprieve for a long time. Excepting her success at the Latin Grammys this year, the pop idol has been accused of tax fraud against the Spanish government between 2012 to 2014, for 14.5 million euros (that roughly translate to USD 15.8 million). Prosecutors are seeking nearly 24 million euros, as well as a jail sentence of 8 years and 2 months.
It was the 2021 Pandora Papers leak, which had revealed the financial condition and tax avoidance strategies of the earthly rich, or in Shakira’s case, a residence in Bahamas. According to her prosecutors, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll spent more than half the accused time period in Spain and should pay the dues to the country.
The Latin pop sensation and her lawyers, including Paul Molins, however, claimed that the singer had lived a “nomadic life” tilln2014, before officially shifting to Spain, to take care of her firstborn Milan. Back then, her earnings had primarily been from her international tours.
The trial, which includes more than 100 witnesses, has them ranging from Shakira’s hairdressers, exes, and neighbors, to her gynecologist, cook, musicians, photographers, stylists, the whole deal. Starting next week, Nov 20 onwards, the trial is expected to finish by the second week of December. If all goes well, Shakira will have to appear for the first court proceeding only.
Last couple of years have not been very kind to Shakira, including split from her long-time partner and father of her sons, Gerard Pique. Around the same time, the songstress had also had sinister messages spraypainted outside her Barcelona home, while her aging father had also suffered a bad fall. During the trial proceedings her sons, Milan and Sasha shall stay with their father.