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 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

October 2010: "We are all gypsies"

In the Spanish edition of the magazine GQ in October 2010, Shakira stated "we are all gypsies" to French President Nicolas Sarkozy and advocated for the fundamental rights of human beings.

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.

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.

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.

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.