In an exclusive letter, Colombian superstar Shakira has shared the personal toll of her long-running legal battle with Spain’s tax authorities. Speaking for the first time about the reasons behind her decision to settle with the prosecution, Shakira revealed that her primary motivation was to protect her children and move on with her life, rather than any admission of guilt or fear.
“I did it to protect my children and to continue with my life, not out of cowardice or guilt,” the singer stated. This rare glimpse into her struggles comes after years of intense scrutiny from both the media and the Spanish government. The latter have pursued Shakira for alleged tax evasion dating back to 2011.
A love story misinterpreted
Shakira explained that the root of her tax troubles stems from her relationship with former footballer Gerard Piqué. The singer, who began dating Piqué in 2011, made frequent trips to Spain to maintain the relationship while continuing her international music career. However, Spanish tax authorities interpreted these visits as evidence of her becoming a tax resident in the country. Consequently, they started to pursue her for millions in unpaid taxes.
“The tax agency manipulated my desire to be with my partner into a desire to establish residence in Spain,” Shakira said. She also criticised the “machismo” underlying the case. Furthermore, she pointed out that if the roles were reversed, it’s unlikely a male artist visiting Spain for a relationship would be treated the same way.
The pressure of public scrutiny
The singer also spoke about the relentless pressure she faced from the media and Spanish authorities. “I spent 2023 surrounded by cameras waiting to capture my breakdown,” Shakira recalled. She accused Spain’s tax authorities of using her as a public scapegoat to restore their credibility. Additionally, she claimed they were more focused on “burning her at the stake” than respecting her rights.
Shakira’s case has been ongoing since 2018. At this time, she was accused of failing to pay €14.5 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014. In 2023, she agreed to pay a fine of over €7 million, admitting her fault in the case. Meanwhile, she maintained that she had been wrongly treated. Despite this settlement, another investigation was launched in 2023 regarding her 2018 tax returns. However, it was dismissed due to lack of evidence earlier this year.
A fight for her children
Despite the strain, Shakira emphasised that her decisions have always been guided by her desire to protect her children from the media frenzy and legal turmoil. “I want to leave them the legacy of a mother who stood by her truth,” she said.
Reflecting on her decade in Spain, the singer described it as “a financially lost decade,” noting that most of her earnings during that period went to the Spanish state. Nevertheless, Shakira is determined to regain control of her narrative and has vowed to continue speaking out for the sake of her family.
Also read: Public Prosecution Barcelona wants Shakira tax fraud case dismissed