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 the "Queen of Latin Music," is a highly influential Colombian singer-songwriter. She is celebrated for popularizing Hispanophone music globally, contributing to the increased use and learning of the Spanish language. Shakira has received numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, with three of those being for Song of the Year, solidifying her impact and legacy in the music industry.

Sections (7)

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

October 2010: Made controversial comments regarding gypsies to French President Nicolas Sarkozy

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

2012: Tax Evasion Allegations

Shakira was investigated for allegedly failing to pay taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014. Spanish authorities initiated this investigation in 2017.

2014: Tax Evasion Allegations

Shakira was investigated for allegedly failing to pay taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014. Spanish authorities initiated this investigation in 2017.

November 2017: Named in Paradise Papers

In November 2017, Shakira was named in the Paradise Papers, which revealed her sole shareholder status in a Malta-based company used to transfer over $30 million in music rights.

2017: Tax Investigation Announced

In 2017, Spanish authorities announced an investigation into Shakira's taxes, alleging she failed to pay taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014.

2019: Applications for Offshore Companies

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

October 2020: Wrote an op-ed commentary for Time magazine about separated children at the U.S.-Mexico border

On 30 October 2020, Shakira wrote an op-ed commentary for Time magazine titled "Shakira: The Parents of 545 Children Are Missing, and the Silence Is Blaring", criticizing U.S. border control and immigration practices regarding separated children at the U.S.-Mexico border.

July 2021: Trial Ordered for Tax Fraud

In July 2021, a Spanish judge ruled that there was sufficient evidence to bring Shakira to trial on charges of tax fraud, stemming from allegations that she failed to pay taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014.

2021: Condemned the violence during the Colombian protests

During the 2021 Colombian protests, Shakira condemned the violence and demanded that President Iván Duque stop human rights violations and prioritize human life above political interests.

2021: Pandora Papers Revelation

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

July 2022: Shakira Refuses Settlement, Opts for Trial

In July 2022, Shakira refused a settlement offered by the Spanish Prosecution Ministry regarding alleged tax fraud and chose to go to trial to prove her innocence. Prosecutors requested an eight-year prison sentence and a €23.8 million fine.

September 2022: Tax Fraud Trial Approved

On 27 September 2022, a Spanish judge approved Shakira's tax fraud trial after she was accused of failing to pay €14.5 million in taxes. Shakira claimed she had already paid all owed amounts plus €3 million as interest.

November 2023: Shakira Settles Tax Fraud Case

On 20 November 2023, Shakira settled the tax fraud case by paying a €7.5 million fine. She cited her well-being and the interest of her children as factors influencing her decision.

September 2024: Walking off stage mid-performance and releasing single "Soltera"

In September 2024, Shakira walked off stage mid-performance at the LIV Miami nightclub, reportedly after noticing fans filming up her dress. On 25 September 2024, she released the single "Soltera".

Loading Video...