Major Controversies Surrounding Shakira: A Detailed Timeline

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

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, a Colombian singer-songwriter dubbed the "Queen of Latin Music," is celebrated for her global popularization of Hispanophone music. She has significantly impacted the Latin American musical scene. Her achievements include four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, including three Song of the Year wins, marking her as a highly decorated and influential figure in the music industry.

Sections (7)

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

October 2010: Statement on Gypsies

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

September 2012: De la Rúa's civil litigation against Shakira reported

In September 2012, it was reported that Antonio de la Rúa had initiated civil litigation against Shakira.

2012: Start of alleged tax evasion period

Between 2012 and 2014, Shakira allegedly failed to pay taxes in Spain, leading to an investigation announced by Spanish authorities in 2017.

April 2013: De la Rúa sues Shakira for $100 million

In April 2013, Antonio de la Rúa filed a lawsuit in California against Shakira, seeking $100 million, claiming he was owed this amount after she terminated their business partnership and his services in October 2011.

2014: End of alleged tax evasion period

Between 2012 and 2014, Shakira allegedly failed to pay taxes in Spain, leading to an investigation announced by Spanish authorities in 2017.

November 2017: Named in the Paradise Papers

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

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. Shakira claimed her primary residence was in the Bahamas during that time.

November 2018: Speaks against education budget cuts

In November 2018, during a visit to Barranquilla concerning the construction of a school, Shakira spoke out against the Colombian government's proposed reduction of the national education budget, advocating for increased investment in education.

2019: Applications for offshore companies

In 2019, Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies, as revealed in the Pandora Papers in 2021. Her representatives stated these applications were part of dissolving existing companies.

October 2020: Op-Ed in Time Magazine

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

July 2021: Spanish judge finds sufficient evidence for tax fraud trial

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

2021: Condemnation of Violence during Colombian Protests

During the 2021 Colombian protests, Shakira condemned the violence and urged President Iván Duque to end human rights violations.

2021: Pandora Papers reveal offshore company applications

In 2021, the Pandora Papers revealed that Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies in 2019, which her representatives stated were part of dissolving existing companies with no income or activities, and Spanish authorities were informed.

July 2022: Rejection of settlement offer in tax fraud case

In July 2022, Shakira refused a settlement offer from the Spanish Prosecution Ministry in her tax fraud case, opting to go to trial to prove her innocence.

September 2022: Tax fraud trial approved by Spanish judge

On September 27, 2022, a Spanish judge in Esplugues de Llobregat approved Shakira's tax fraud trial after prosecutors accused her of failing to pay €14.5 million in taxes. She claimed to have already paid all owed amounts plus €3 million in interest.