A Spanish court has acquitted international music star Shakira of tax fraud charges and ordered the country’s Treasury to refund her €55 million (about $64 million) plus interest. The National High Court ruled that prosecutors failed to prove Shakira spent enough time in Spain in 2011 to qualify as a tax resident. Under Spanish law, tax residency requires at least 183 days; the court determined she was present for only 163 days. Spain’s tax agency plans to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, so the funds will not be released until a final decision is reached.
Key Points:
- The ruling ends a nearly ten‑year legal battle that damaged Shakira’s reputation.
- The singer insists there was “never any fraud” and accuses authorities of orchestrated campaigns.
- Spain’s planned appeal means the €55 million refund is not yet in Shakira’s hands.
- The case dates back to her relationship with former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué.
- Shakira is set to perform at the World Cup final half‑time show alongside Madonna and BTS, with a new anthem featuring Burna Boy.
Sources: LEADERSHIP News, Spanish National High Court
