Challenges Faced by Shakira: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Shakira faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known as Shakira, is a highly influential Colombian singer-songwriter. She is recognized for her global impact on popularizing Hispanophone music. Her achievements include four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, with three of those being for Song of the Year, underscoring her significant contributions to the music industry.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

June 1991: Release of 'Magia'

In June 1991, Shakira's debut album, Magia, was released. It featured her debut single, also titled "Magia".

August 2010: Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa decide to take time apart

In August 2010, Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa decided to take time apart from their romantic relationship after almost 11 years together, as announced in a statement in January 2011, while continuing as business partners.

January 2011: Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa announce separation

On January 10, 2011, Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa announced their separation, stating their intention to continue as business partners.

October 2011: Shakira terminates business partnership with Antonio de la Rúa

In October 2011, Shakira terminated her business partnership with Antonio de la Rúa, leading to legal disputes.

September 2012: First Report of civil litigation against Shakira

In September 2012, the first reports of Antonio de la Rúa's civil litigation against Shakira surfaced.

2012: Start of alleged tax evasion period

In 2012, it marked the beginning of a period where Shakira was alleged to have failed to pay taxes in Spain, leading to an investigation in 2017.

April 2013: De la Rúa files suit against Shakira

In April 2013, Antonio de la Rúa filed a suit against Shakira in California, seeking $100 million after the termination of their business partnership.

August 2013: De la Rúa's lawsuit against Shakira dismissed

In August 2013, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge dismissed Antonio de la Rúa's $100 million lawsuit against Shakira.

2014: End of alleged tax evasion period

In 2014, it marked the end of a period where Shakira was alleged to have failed to pay taxes in Spain, leading to an investigation in 2017.

November 2017: Shakira named in Paradise Papers

In November 2017, Shakira was named in the Paradise Papers due to her connection to a Malta-based company used to transfer music rights. Her representatives maintained that her use of the company was lawful.

2017: Investigation into Shakira's taxes announced

In 2017, Spanish authorities announced an investigation into Shakira's taxes, alleging she failed to pay taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014.

November 2018: Criticism of Educational Policies of President Iván Duque's Government

On November 2, 2018, Shakira spoke against the government's intentions to reduce the national education budget and voiced concerns about social inequality and unschooling during a visit to Barranquilla, Colombia.

2018: Delay of European tour due to vocal issues

In 2018, Shakira had to delay her entire European "El Dorado World Tour" itinerary. She had suffered a hemorrhage on her right vocal cord in late October and needed to rest her voice for some time to recover. Shakira was unable to sing and experienced depression.

2019: Shakira applies for three offshore companies

In 2019, the Pandora Papers revealed that Shakira had applied for three offshore companies, which her representatives stated were part of dissolving existing companies and had no income or activities.

July 2021: Spanish judge determines sufficient evidence of criminality to bring Shakira to trial

In July 2021, a Spanish judge found sufficient "evidence of criminality" to bring Shakira to trial on charges of tax fraud related to the period between 2012 and 2014.

2021: Shakira named in Pandora Papers

In 2021, Shakira's applications for three offshore companies in 2019 were revealed in the Pandora Papers, with her representatives stating they were for dissolving existing companies with no income or activities.

June 2022: Shakira and Piqué announce separation

In June 2022, Shakira and Gerard Piqué announced their separation in a joint statement after 12 years together.

July 2022: Shakira refuses tax fraud settlement

In July 2022, Shakira refused a settlement offered by the Spanish Prosecution Ministry and opted to go to trial to prove her innocence in the tax fraud case, facing a potential eight-year prison sentence.

September 2022: Tax fraud trial approved for Shakira

On September 27, 2022, a Spanish judge approved the tax fraud trial against Shakira, who was accused of failing to pay €14.5 million in taxes, despite her claim that she had already paid all owed amounts plus interest.

November 2023: Shakira Settles Tax Evasion Case

On November 20, 2023, Shakira settled her tax evasion case at the commencement of the trial by paying a €7.5 million fine. She stated that her decision was influenced by her well-being and the interest of her children.