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 celebrated for her global popularization of Hispanophone music and significant impact on the Latin American music scene. A multi-award-winning artist, Shakira has received four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, including three Song of the Year wins, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Sections (7)

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

October 2011: Termination of business partnership

In October 2011, Shakira terminated her business partnership with Antonio de la Rúa, which later led to a lawsuit.

September 2012: News of lawsuit

In September 2012, it was first reported that Antonio de la Rúa sued Shakira, asking for $100 million.

2012: Tax Fraud Allegations

Between 2012 and 2014, prosecutors alleged that Shakira failed to pay taxes in Spain, during a period in which she resided in Barcelona.

April 2013: De la Rúa Sues Shakira

In April 2013, Antonio de la Rúa sued Shakira for $100 million, claiming he was owed after she terminated their business partnership.

2014: Tax Fraud Allegations

Between 2012 and 2014, prosecutors alleged that Shakira failed to pay taxes in Spain, during a period in which she resided in Barcelona.

2018: Investigation into Finances

In 2018, Spanish authorities initiated an investigation into Shakira's finances, partly due to information revealed in the Paradise Papers.

2018: Postponement of European Itinerary

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

July 2021: Judge Orders Tax Fraud Trial

In July 2021, a Spanish judge determined there was "evidence of criminality" sufficient to bring Shakira to trial on charges of tax fraud.

July 2022: Opted to go to trial for tax fraud

In July 2022, after unsuccessful negotiations with the Spanish Prosecution Ministry, Shakira opted to go to trial to prove her innocence for tax fraud.

September 2022: Tax Fraud Trial Approved

On 27 September 2022, a Spanish judge approved the tax fraud trial after prosecutors accused Shakira of failing to pay €14.5 million in taxes.

November 2023: Tax Fraud Trial Date

A trial date was set for November 2023 for Shakira's tax fraud case, after the presiding Barcelona judge received the necessary qualifying papers from both parties.