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 the "Queen of Latin Music," is a highly influential Colombian singer-songwriter. She is celebrated for popularizing Hispanophone music globally, contributing to the increased use and learning of the Spanish language. Shakira has received numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, with three of those being for Song of the Year, solidifying her impact and legacy in the music industry.

Sections (7)

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

2002: Shakira Discusses Crossover Challenges

In 2002, Shakira discussed the challenges of crossing over to the English-language market in the U.S., including feeling "under the microscope" and the pressure to avoid mistakes.

October 2011: Business Partnership with de la Rúa Ends

In October 2011, Shakira terminated her business partnership with Antonio de la Rúa, leading to a subsequent lawsuit from him in April 2013 for $100 million, which was eventually dismissed in August 2013.

September 2012: Civil Litigation by de la Rúa

In September 2012, Antonio de la Rúa's civil litigation against Shakira was first reported following their separation in August 2010 and business partnership termination in October 2011.

2012: Album Release Postponement Due to Pregnancy

In 2012, Shakira originally intended to release a new album, but the plans were postponed due to her pregnancy, changing the artist's career trajectory.

2012: Tax Evasion Allegations

Shakira was investigated for allegedly failing to pay taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014. Spanish authorities initiated this investigation in 2017.

April 2013: De la Rúa's Lawsuit

In April 2013, Antonio de la Rúa filed a $100 million lawsuit against Shakira in California, claiming he was owed the money after she ended their business partnership and his services in October 2011. This lawsuit was dismissed in August 2013.

2014: Tax Evasion Allegations

Shakira was investigated for allegedly failing to pay taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014. Spanish authorities initiated this investigation in 2017.

November 2017: Named in Paradise Papers

In November 2017, Shakira was named in the Paradise Papers, which revealed her sole shareholder status in a Malta-based company used to transfer over $30 million in music rights.

2017: Tax Investigation 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: Spoke out against the government's education budget reduction in Colombia

On November 2, 2018, during a visit to Barranquilla, Shakira spoke against the Colombian government's intention to reduce the national education budget, advocating for increased investment in education and school construction.

2018: Postponement of El Dorado World Tour

In 2018, the entire European itinerary of Shakira's El Dorado World Tour had to be delayed because she suffered a haemorrhage on her right vocal cord in late October 2017 and needed to rest her voice for some time to recover.

2019: Applications for Offshore Companies

In 2019, Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies, as revealed in the Pandora Papers in 2021.

October 2020: Wrote an op-ed commentary for Time magazine about separated children at the U.S.-Mexico border

On 30 October 2020, Shakira wrote an op-ed commentary for Time magazine titled "Shakira: The Parents of 545 Children Are Missing, and the Silence Is Blaring", criticizing U.S. border control and immigration practices regarding separated children at the U.S.-Mexico border.

July 2021: Trial Ordered for Tax Fraud

In July 2021, a Spanish judge ruled that there was sufficient evidence to bring Shakira to trial on charges of tax fraud, stemming from allegations that she failed to pay taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014.

2021: Condemned the violence during the Colombian protests

During the 2021 Colombian protests, Shakira condemned the violence and demanded that President Iván Duque stop human rights violations and prioritize human life above political interests.

2021: Pandora Papers Revelation

In 2021, the Pandora Papers revealed that Shakira had submitted applications for three offshore companies in 2019.

July 2022: Shakira Refuses Settlement, Opts for Trial

In July 2022, Shakira refused a settlement offered by the Spanish Prosecution Ministry regarding alleged tax fraud and chose to go to trial to prove her innocence. Prosecutors requested an eight-year prison sentence and a €23.8 million fine.

September 2022: Tax Fraud Trial Approved

On 27 September 2022, a Spanish judge approved Shakira's tax fraud trial after she was accused of failing to pay €14.5 million in taxes. Shakira claimed she had already paid all owed amounts plus €3 million as interest.

November 2023: Shakira Settles Tax Fraud Case

On 20 November 2023, Shakira settled the tax fraud case by paying a €7.5 million fine. She cited her well-being and the interest of her children as factors influencing her decision.

December 2024: Elimination and reinstatement of Chicago show

In December 2024, the only Chicago Las Mujeres show, originally scheduled for 14 December at the United Center, was eliminated when the U.S./Canada leg of the tour was moved to spring 2025. However, the show was later brought back as part of the Sueños Music Festival due to fan protests.

June 2025: Tour Date Postponement

In June 2025, Shakira's show in the Los Angeles area was postponed to August due to civil unrest related to immigration policies and enforcement in the vicinity.

2025: Tour cancellations and postponements due to technical issues

During 2025, Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran Tour faced cancellations and postponements. A tour concert at Boston's Fenway Park was cancelled on May 29th for technical reasons, and the May 31st show in Washington, D.C., was also cancelled. The June 13th show at San Antonio's Alamodome was postponed, and the Los Angeles concert was moved to August.