The Colombian pop star Shakira is set to appear in court in Barcelona, Spain, at 10:00 AM on Monday. She faces charges of underpaying taxes by 14.5 million euros, approximately 15.8 million dollars.
Shakira denies the allegations, asserting that she did not underpay taxes and was not a permanent resident in Spain during the period in question.
Unlike prominent figures such as football players Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Diego Costa, who have settled with Spanish authorities, Shakira has chosen not to enter into an agreement.
Her testimony in court on Monday will mark the beginning of the trial, scheduled to continue until December 12. The prosecution seeks a sentence of up to eight years in prison for the singer.
Shakira, married to former football player Gerard Pique, with whom she has two children, lived together for 11 years before separating last June. According to the prosecutor, Shakira spent more than six months per year in Spain from 2012 to 2014, effectively establishing permanent residence in the country. It is also noted that she purchased a house in Barcelona in May 2012, which served as the family home.
Shakira claims she did not reside in Spain during this period due to her "nomadic lifestyle" required by her work. She met Gerard Pique during the filming of the music video for "Waka Waka," the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Shakira is also known for hits like "Hips Don't Lie" and "Underneath Your Clothes."
She is involved in another tax evasion case from 2018, which is not currently in court. The amount Shakira would have had to pay if she had settled with Spanish authorities is unknown.
Cristiano Ronaldo settled with Spanish authorities in January, avoiding jail by admitting guilt in tax fraud. He received a fine of 18.8 million euros (20.5 million dollars), later reduced to 16.8 million euros (18.3 million dollars). Lionel Messi was fined daily, amounting to a total of 223,000 euros ($243.000)
