Shakira Criticizes Spanish Authorities After Settling $15M Tax Fraud Case

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In November 2023, Shakira settled a $15 million tax evasion case with Spanish authorities, but the Colombian singer remains outspoken about her frustrations with how the state handled the matter. In an interview with El Mundo, Shakira accused the authorities of treating her unfairly, likening her experience to being "burned at the stake."

The case, which revolved around claims that Shakira owed €6.7 million ($7.2 million) in taxes on her 2018 income, was dropped in May 2023. However, a separate case from 2012 to 2014 resulted in a tax bill of $15 million. Shakira argued that she had been a resident of the Bahamas during the time in question and was not liable to pay Spanish taxes.

Shakira settled the case in 2023, citing her desire to protect her two sons, Milan, 11, and Sasha, 9, whom she shares with ex-partner Gerard Piqué. "I need them to know that I made the decisions I made to protect them... not out of cowardice or guilt," she said. She also condemned the authorities for painting her as a tax evader, claiming she had paid more taxes than necessary.

The singer criticized what she saw as a pattern of intimidation by Spanish tax officials, who she claimed sought to pressure her and put her children's peace of mind at risk. Shakira likened her treatment to an Inquisition-like public shaming of a prominent figure to restore the state's image.

By settling the case, Shakira avoided a potential eight-year prison sentence and additional fines of over $26 million. She paid a €7 million ($7.6 million) fine and received a suspended three-year sentence. Despite this, Shakira remains firm in her belief that she was unjustly targeted, emphasizing that no one else could tell her story: "Just like with my songs, I sing to live peacefully again, to turn the page."