
Shakira Tax Fraud Case: Singer Pushes Back, Claims Discrimination

Shakira, the Colombian pop star celebrated for her global hits, is embroiled in a significant legal battle over allegations of tax fraud in Spain. The Shakira tax fraud case has gained attention not just for the amount of money involved but for the claims the singer has made regarding the treatment she has received from Spanish authorities. Shakira has accused the Spanish Treasury of discriminatory behavior, alleging that sexism and racism have played a role in the pursuit of her case.
Shakira’s Response to Tax Fraud Allegations
Shakira’s frustrations came to light when she publicly criticized the Spanish Treasury, accusing the agency of unfairly targeting her in what she described as a sexist and racially charged campaign. She insists that her legal troubles stem from her celebrity status and her background, stating that the Treasury has treated her like a criminal to make an example of her.

US Weekly | MSN | Shakira publicly criticized the Spanish Treasury, accusing the agency of unfairly targeting her in what she described as a sexist and racially charged campaign.
The case revolves around accusations that Shakira failed to pay €14.5 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors claimed that Shakira was a resident of Spain during those years and, therefore, owed taxes on her worldwide income. Shakira, however, argues that she was not a resident during that time and only became a full-time Spanish resident in 2015.
Settlement and Legal Dispute
In November 2022, Shakira agreed to settle the case, avoiding what could have been a prison sentence of up to eight years. The settlement included a suspended three-year sentence and a €7.3 million fine. However, Shakira insists that her decision to settle was not an admission of guilt. Instead, she said the agreement was a way to protect her family, particularly her children, from the prolonged media scrutiny the case attracted.
Shakira’s defense highlights her belief that the accusations against her are deeply unfair. She has consistently maintained her innocence, asserting that her global music career required her to travel extensively during the period in question. According to her, she only became a permanent resident of Spain in 2015, when she began paying taxes in full compliance with Spanish law.
Accusations of Discrimination
Shakira’s legal battle has taken a new turn with her accusations of discrimination. She has argued that the Spanish authorities would not have pursued her so aggressively if she were not a Colombian woman. In her statements, Shakira compared her situation to what she believes would be different treatment if she were an American man. She expressed doubt that the tax office would have accused a male artist of similar charges under comparable circumstances.
The singer also criticized what she described as the “Inquisition-like” tactics used by the Spanish Treasury, implying that the agency’s approach was more about making a public spectacle than achieving justice. For Shakira, the battle is about more than taxes—it’s about standing up against what she perceives as systemic bias within the Spanish legal system.

The Independent | MSN | Shakira argued that the Spanish authorities would not have pursued her so aggressively if she were not a Colombian woman.
The Spanish Treasury’s Stance on the Case
On the other side, the Spanish Treasury has been steadfast in its approach, maintaining that Shakira’s case was handled like any other. The government asserts that Shakira was a resident of Spain from 2012 to 2014, based on the time she spent in the country. Tax law in Spain dictates that individuals who reside in the country for more than 183 days within a calendar year are subject to taxation on their worldwide income.
The Treasury’s investigation delved into Shakira’s ties to Spain during those years, including her relationship with footballer Gerard Piqué, her use of a home in Barcelona, and her children’s education in the country. Prosecutors claimed these factors indicated that Shakira was more connected to Spain than she admitted. Despite her settlement, the Spanish authorities have denied any discriminatory motives, emphasizing that tax laws apply to everyone equally, regardless of their fame or nationality.
Tax Residency Debate
Central to the Shakira tax fraud case is the question of residency. Shakira’s defense hinges on her claim that she was not a tax resident of Spain during the disputed years. She argues that her global tours and professional commitments made it impossible for her to establish residency in Spain until 2015. However, prosecutors have cited her frequent presence in the country and her personal life as evidence that she intended to establish long-term residence earlier than she claims.
This residency debate is particularly complex for international celebrities, who often split their time between multiple countries. Shakira’s case has highlighted the challenges involved in applying tax laws to individuals with global careers and sparked discussions about how governments should handle cases involving high-net-worth individuals with international lifestyles.
Shakira’s case has sparked a heated public debate, both in Spain and internationally. Many of her fans have rallied behind her, viewing her as a victim of a system eager to target a high-profile figure. Her accusations of sexism and racism have resonated with supporters, adding a layer of social justice to an already high-stakes legal battle.
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