Spain's High Court Overturns Shakira's Tax Fraud Conviction, Orders $64 Million Refund

Spain's High Court has acquitted Shakira of tax fraud, overturning a 2021 fine of over $64 million and ordering the government to reimburse the amount. The ruling ends a long-running dispute over whether the Colombian singer owed personal income tax in Spain for the year 2011, according to Stereogum.

StereogumSpain's High Court Acquits Shakira of Tax Fraud, Orders Reimbursement of $64 Million Fine

"The court ruled the case was based on assumptions."

The case centered on whether Shakira spent more than 183 days in Spain in 2011, which would have made her a tax resident. The Spanish Tax Agency argued she was linked to Spain through her then-partner, FC Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique, but the court found the agency failed to prove she met the residency threshold, Rolling Stone reported.

Rolling StoneSpanish Court Orders €60 Million Tax Refund to Shakira in Long-Running Dispute

"Shakira celebrated the ruling, stating she endured years of public targeting and media attacks despite having always acted in accordance with the law."

The High Court's decision orders the Spanish Tax Agency to refund approximately €60 million ($64 million) in taxes, fines, and interest that Shakira had paid under the earlier 2021 ruling, according to Rolling Stone. The singer has maintained her innocence throughout the legal battle, which she described as a prolonged ordeal.