Shakira has slammed the Spanish Treasury, likening their treatment of her in her tax fraud case to a witch being publicly burned during the Inquisition. Last November, the Colombian singer admitted to committing six tax fraud crimes and agreed to a suspended prison sentence and a hefty fine in a Barcelona court. She had previously felt persecuted before entering into a plea bargain deal and criticized the Spanish judicial system for a smear campaign after confessing to her wrongdoing. In a recent letter published in El Mundo, Shakira accused the Spanish Tax Agency of conducting a sexist campaign of intimidation against her, ultimately treating her like a hunting trophy. The singer expressed disappointment in her financial situation over the past decade while living in Spain, despite being a hardworking individual.
Shakira has criticized the Spanish Treasury for their treatment of her as she admitted to tax fraud and was fined £6.4 million, stating that she felt like she was being publicly condemned.
Shakira and Pique were in a relationship for over a decade and shared two children, Milan aged 11 and Sasha aged nine, before going their separate ways in a messy breakup in 2022.
Shakira expressed her frustration by stating that simply targeting and attacking public figures every year will not resolve issues, emphasizing that she is speaking out once again to protect her children.
I performed in 120 concerts across 90 different cities, yet somehow managed to lose money in the process. It may sound strange, but my earnings during those years all ended up in the hands of the Spanish Tax Agency. It is puzzling how someone can give so many performances and still come out empty-handed financially.
In an effort to protect my children, I admitted to supposed wrongdoing instead of facing a trial with those accusing me. The Spanish Tax Agency seems more interested in flaunting their victories and restoring their credibility than in ensuring compliance. Their tactics involve instilling fear, making threats of imprisonment, disrupting our peace of mind, and pressuring us to the breaking point.
Contrary to public belief, I did pay my taxes, and in fact, I paid much more than was required. The Spanish prosecutors sought to impose an eight-year, two-month jail sentence and a substantial fine if I were found guilty of tax fraud during the years 2012, 2013, and 2014.
The prosecution’s argument centered on disputing my claim of residency in the Bahamas during the specified period, despite my relationship with Gerard Pique. Witnesses, including ex-boyfriends, employees, and acquaintances, were expected to provide insights into my life in Barcelona during the years in question before I officially became a Spanish tax resident in 2015.
The case against me, as outlined in a detailed 15-page document, brought forward various individuals who were allegedly involved in my personal and professional life during those critical years. These witnesses were intended to provide evidence to support the prosecution’s claims, alleging that certain activities and relationships were indicative of my intentional tax evasion.
In a heartfelt message, Shakira argued that Spanish tax authorities exhibited gender bias and suggested they were intentionally interfering in her efforts to maintain her relationship with Pique.
There were whispers about Pique being disloyal with the singer who was seen at the Met Gala.
In the written accusation, they alleged that the artist, known as Shakira, lived in Spain ‘regularly’ from 2012 to 2014. She stayed in Barcelona initially at Pique’s apartment and later in a mansion in Esplugues de Llobregat with her ex-partner. They argued that her time away from Spain for work and other reasons was infrequent, except for a brief period in the US in 2012 when she was a coach on ‘The Voice’.
Shakira, in an emotional response, accused the Spanish tax authorities of being biased and contended that they exploited her efforts to sustain her relationship with Pique. She expressed skepticism that an American man in a similar situation would be scrutinized for intending to reside in Spain if he were visiting his Spanish partner regularly. She highlighted that individuals who travel for work globally cannot be deemed tax residents in a particular place simply because their partner lives there. She emphasized that she is speaking out now for the sake of her children, not to appease public figures who may unfairly criticize her.
Shakira and Pique, who were in a relationship for 11 years, have two children together. The couple split in 2022 amidst rumors of infidelity on Pique’s part. Shakira was recently seen having dinner with a mystery man in Miami, where she now resides. When asked about her love life, she admitted that she is not currently focused on it, acknowledging her past experiences but humorously mentioning her continued attraction to men.
