Major Controversies Surrounding Shakira: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Shakira.

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

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.

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.

November 2017: Named in Paradise Papers

In November 2017, Shakira was named in the Paradise Papers, disclosing her as the sole shareholder of a Malta-based company used to transfer $30 million in music rights. Her legal representatives maintained that her use of the company was lawful.

November 2018: Speaks Against Education Budget Cuts

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

2018: Investigation into Finances

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

2019: Offshore Company Applications

In 2019, Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies, which her representatives stated were part of dissolving existing companies.

October 2020: Op-ed in Time Magazine

On October 30, 2020, Shakira published an op-ed commentary in Time magazine, criticizing U.S. immigration policies and the separation of children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border.

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.

2021: Condemns Violence During Colombian Protests

During the 2021 Colombian protests, Shakira condemned the violence and asked President Iván Duque Márquez to stop human rights violations.

2021: Pandora Papers Revelation

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

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.

January 2023: Release of "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53"

On January 11, 2023, the single "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53", a collaboration with Argentine DJ Bizarrap, was released, achieving significant chart success and breaking records. The song is a diss track aimed at Shakira's ex-partner, Gerard Piqué.

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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.