Days after making her Met Gala debut, Shakira's legal troubles have taken a turn as Spanish prosecutors recommend dropping a second investigation into her finances.
Colombian superstar Shakira has found herself at the center of a tax controversy once again. However, a recent decision by Spanish prosecutors could bring some relief to the singer.
Just days after Shakira made her first appearance at the star-studded Met Gala, prosecutors have recommended that a second investigation into her finances be thrown out. The investigation involved allegations that Shakira owed 6.7 million euros ($7.2 million) in taxes on her 2018 income.
Initially, state prosecutors had brought the accusations against Shakira, alleging that she used an offshore company to avoid paying taxes. However, they have now changed their stance, citing "insufficient evidence" of a possible fiscal crime.
The decision to drop the investigation is not yet final, as the investigating judge will have the final say on whether the probe will be shelved. However, Shakira has already faced legal challenges related to her finances.
In November 2022, Shakira settled a separate tax evasion issue with the Spanish government, agreeing to pay a fine of 7 million euros ($7.6 million) and a suspended three-year sentence. Prosecutors had claimed that Shakira resided in Barcelona for more than half of the time between 2012 and 2014, accumulating a tax bill of $15.4 million.
Shakira, however, maintained that her official residence was in the Bahamas during that period, exempting her from paying Spanish taxes. Despite her initial determination to defend her innocence in court, Shakira opted to take a plea deal to avoid a lengthy trial.
The tax evasion controversies have taken a toll on Shakira both personally and professionally. In her statement at the time of her previous settlement, Shakira expressed her desire to protect her children and focus on her career.
She said, "While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favor, I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart."
Shakira's legal team emphasized that she had always aimed to comply with tax laws and sought professional advice from reputable firms. Despite her efforts, she faced scrutiny from Spanish tax authorities, who have pursued cases against numerous high-profile individuals.
Following her split from soccer star Gerard Piqué in 2022, Shakira relocated from Spain to Miami. The breakup was surrounded by speculation of infidelity, which Shakira addressed in her recent song "BZRP Music Session #53," which garnered significant attention.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
