Major Controversies Surrounding Shakira: A Detailed Timeline

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

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, the "Queen of Latin Music," is a highly influential Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer. She is recognized for popularizing Hispanophone music globally, contributing to increased Spanish language learning and usage, and paving the way for other Latin artists in the international market. Her achievements include numerous accolades, such as 4 Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a global music icon.

Sections (7)

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

2001: Controversy Regarding Shakira's Crossover and Image

In 2001, Shakira's crossover transition with the 'Laundry Service' album led to criticism from some fans who felt she was abandoning her roots and transforming into a more Anglo-palatable artist.

October 2010: Addressed the situation of the gypsies to French President Nicolas Sarkozy

In October 2010, in the Spanish edition of the magazine GQ, Shakira addressed the words "we are all gypsies" to French President Nicolas Sarkozy to highlight the plight of the gypsies.

2012: Start of alleged tax evasion period

In 2012, according to prosecutors, began the period during which Shakira allegedly failed to pay taxes in Spain, leading to a tax investigation in 2017.

2014: End of alleged tax evasion period

In 2014, according to prosecutors, ended the period during which Shakira allegedly failed to pay taxes in Spain, leading to a tax investigation in 2017.

November 2017: Shakira named in the Paradise Papers

In November 2017, Shakira was named in the Paradise Papers, which disclosed her sole ownership of a Malta-based company used to transfer over $30 million in music rights, though her representatives maintained its lawfulness.

2017: Tax investigation announced by Spanish authorities

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: Critique of Colombian Education Budget Cuts

On November 2, 2018, during a visit to Barranquilla, Shakira criticized the Colombian government's plan to reduce the national education budget, advocating for increased investment in education and more schools.

2019: Shakira applies for offshore companies

In 2019, Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies, which her representatives said were part of dissolving existing ones and had no income or activities, as revealed in the 2021 Pandora Papers.

October 2020: Publication of Op-Ed in Time Magazine

On October 30, 2020, Shakira's op-ed "Shakira: The Parents of 545 Children Are Missing, and the Silence Is Blaring" was published in Time magazine, criticizing U.S. immigration policies regarding separated children at the U.S.-Mexico border.

July 2021: Spanish judge finds evidence of criminality in tax fraud case

In July 2021, a Spanish judge determined there was sufficient "evidence of criminality" to bring Shakira to trial on charges of tax fraud for allegedly failing to pay taxes between 2012 and 2014.

2021: Condemnation of Violence During Colombian Protests

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

2021: Shakira named in the Pandora Papers

In 2021, the Pandora Papers revealed that Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies in 2019, but her representatives stated they were part of dissolving existing companies and had no income or activities.

July 2022: Shakira refuses tax fraud settlement

In July 2022, Shakira refused the settlement offered by the Spanish Prosecution Ministry regarding alleged tax fraud offenses, opting to go to trial to prove her innocence.

September 2022: Tax fraud trial approved by Spanish judge

On 27 September 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 of having paid all owed amounts plus interest.

November 2023: Shakira settles tax fraud case

On 20 November 2023, at the start of her trial, Shakira settled her tax fraud case by paying a €7.5 million fine, citing her well-being and her children's interest as factors in her decision.