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. She is celebrated for her global popularization of Hispanophone music. Her contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, among which are three Song of the Year wins.
October 2011: Termination of business partnership
In October 2011, Shakira terminated her business partnership with Antonio de la Rúa, leading to future legal disputes.
September 2012: De la Rúa sues Shakira
As first reported in September 2012, Antonio de la Rúa sued Shakira asking for $100 million after Shakira terminated their business partnership.
2012: Tax fraud allegations period begins
In 2012, Spanish authorities investigated Shakira for failure to pay taxes between 2012 and 2014.
April 2013: Lawsuit filed by de la Rúa
In April 2013, Antonio de la Rúa filed a lawsuit against Shakira seeking $100 million, alleging he was owed the amount after Shakira terminated their business partnership.
August 2013: Dismissal of lawsuit
In August 2013, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge dismissed the $100 million lawsuit filed against Shakira by Antonio de la Rúa.
2014: Tax fraud allegations period ends
In 2014, Spanish authorities investigated Shakira for failure to pay taxes between 2012 and 2014.
November 2017: Named in the Paradise Papers
In November 2017, Shakira was named in the Paradise Papers, which disclosed her sole shareholder status of a Malta-based company used to transfer $30 million in music rights.
November 2018: Speaks about educational policies in Barranquilla
In November 2018, during a visit to Barranquilla for the construction of a school, Shakira criticized the Colombian government's plans to reduce the national education budget.
2018: Investigation into Shakira's finances initiated
In 2018, Spanish authorities initiated an investigation into Shakira's finances, prompted in part by information revealed in the Paradise Papers, leading to allegations of tax evasion.
2019: Applications for three offshore companies
In 2019, Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies, as revealed in the Pandora Papers in 2021, as part of dissolving existing companies.
July 2021: Trial ordered for tax fraud charges
In July 2021, a Spanish judge determined there was sufficient "evidence of criminality" to bring Shakira to trial on charges of tax fraud, escalating her legal challenges.
2021: Condemns violence during Colombian protests
In 2021, Shakira condemned the violence during the Colombian protests and asked President Iván Duque Márquez to stop the human rights violations, advocating for the value of human life.
2021: Pandora Papers reveal offshore company applications
In 2021, the Pandora Papers revealed that Shakira submitted applications for three offshore companies in 2019, raising further scrutiny of her financial arrangements.
July 2022: Opted for trial in tax fraud case
In July 2022, Shakira opted to go to trial to prove her innocence in the tax fraud case, following unsuccessful negotiations with the Spanish Prosecution Ministry.
September 2022: Tax fraud trial approved
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.
November 2023: Trial date set for tax fraud case
In November 2023, a trial date was set for Shakira's tax fraud case, marking a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings.
November 2023: Settlement in tax fraud case
On November 20, 2023, Shakira settled the tax fraud case by paying a €7.5 million fine, citing her well-being and the impact on her children as factors influencing her decision.
September 2024: Release of "Soltera" and incident at LIV Miami
In September 2024, Shakira walked off stage mid-performance at LIV Miami nightclub and later released the single "Soltera", which achieved chart success.
