Major Controversies Surrounding Shakira: A Detailed Timeline

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

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a highly influential Colombian singer-songwriter celebrated for popularizing Hispanophone music worldwide. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, solidifying her impact on the global music scene.

Sections (7)

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

2012: Tax Evasion Allegations

Between 2012 and 2014, prosecutors alleged that Shakira failed to pay taxes in Spain while residing there with Piqué and their family. This led to a Spanish investigation in 2018 and a trial order in 2021.

2014: Tax Evasion Allegations

November 2017: Named in Paradise Papers

In November 2017, Shakira was named in the Paradise Papers, revealing her sole ownership of a Malta-based company used to transfer $30 million in music rights.

2018: Initiation of Financial Investigation

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

2019: Applications for Offshore Companies

In 2019, Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies, as revealed by the Pandora Papers in 2021. Her representatives said they were for dissolving existing companies.

July 2021: Judge Orders Shakira to Stand Trial

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

2021: Condemnation of Violence During Protests

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

2021: Pandora Papers Revelation

In 2021, the Pandora Papers revealed that Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies in 2019, which her representatives stated were for dissolving existing companies.

July 2022: Shakira opts for trial in tax fraud case

In July 2022, Shakira chose to proceed to trial after negotiations with the Spanish Prosecution Ministry failed, aiming to demonstrate her innocence in a tax fraud case where prosecutors requested an eight-year prison sentence.

September 2022: Tax fraud trial approved by Spanish judge

On 27 September 2022, a Spanish judge in Esplugues de Llobregat approved Shakira's tax fraud trial following accusations that she failed to pay €14.5 million ($13.9 million) in taxes, despite her claim of having paid all owed amounts plus €3 million ($2.8 million) as interest.