Shakira Wins €60M Tax Case in Spain

In a significant victory for the Colombian pop star Shakira, Spain's National High Court has ordered a €60 million refund, encompassing taxes, fines, and interest. This ruling stems from a prolonged dispute over her tax obligations. The court determined on Monday, May 18, that the Spanish Tax Agency failed to substantiate claims of Shakira's residency in Spain during 2011. Authorities could only prove she spent 163 days in the country that year, falling short of the 183-day minimum required for personal income tax.

Shakira has vehemently contested the allegations, describing the legal process as a "brutal public targeting" aimed at destroying her reputation. She highlighted her extensive international touring in 2011, which included 120 concerts, as evidence of her non-residency. Despite this triumph, the Spanish tax authority has indicated an intention to appeal to the Supreme Court, meaning the refund is contingent on a final ruling.

The singer emphasized that this victory is for ordinary citizens facing similar struggles with the tax system. She aims for this ruling to set a precedent against what she described as an abusive system that presumes guilt. Shakira has had previous tax-related issues in Spain, including a settled fraud case in 2023 and an investigation opened in July 2023 that later saw no additional charges brought.