Shakira Says She Settled Tax Dispute To Protect Kids

Shakira, who settled a tax dispute with Spanish authorities last year, has recently said she did it to protect her children.

At a Glance

Shakira claims she settled a $15 million tax fraud case with the Spanish government to protect her children, not because she did anything wrong.
Shakira wrote an essay in El Mundo explaining her decision to settle the case.
Shakira was accused of defrauding the Spanish government of over $15 million in taxes from 2012 to 2014.
Shakira has denied any wrongdoing and accused Spanish authorities of targeting her to improve their agency’s image.

Background of the Case

Shakira was accused of defrauding the Spanish government of over $15 million in taxes during the years 2012 to 2014. Prosecutors claimed she was living in Catalonia while asserting her place of residence was in the Bahamas. In response, Shakira argued she spent only a minimal amount of time in Spain due to her relationship commitments and work schedule.

She emphasized that she had always fulfilled her tax obligations, and her finances were closely scrutinized and approved by institutions such as the White House and the IRS. Despite her assertions, Shakira settled the case, she says, to avoid further complications and protect her two sons, Milan and Sasha, from the media frenzy and legal battles.

Shakira Says She Settled $15M Spanish Tax Case to 'Protect' Her Children, Not Because She Was Guilty https://t.co/h8135n2K7L

— People (@people) September 5, 2024

Shakira’s Position and Statements

Shakira has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in the case. She referred to the Spanish Tax Agency’s claims as “childish” and maintained that the accusations were baseless. Shakira criticized the Spanish authorities for creating a narrative to improve their public image and accused them of targeting her unjustly.

“I did it to protect my children and to get on with my life, not out of cowardice or guilt,” – Shakira, 47, wrote in an essay for Spanish newspaper El Mundo/

Shakira elaborated that her decision to settle was a strategic move to prioritize her children’s well-being and to avoid the distress that accompanies lengthy legal procedures. She also said that additional tax fraud charges related to her 2018 income were dropped due to insufficient evidence.

Shakira Argues She Was Protecting Her Family

The singer stated emphatically that her settlement was to safeguard her children from undue stress and negative impacts. Shakira indicated she wishes to leave a legacy of strength and resilience for her children, showing them that protecting family and privacy was her utmost priority.

Following her separation from Gerard Piqué in June 2022, Shakira relocated to Miami with their children, seeking a quieter life and privacy for her sons. Piqué remains in Spain after retiring from professional soccer.

Shakira’s settlement of the tax fraud case and her claims of innocence highlight the complexities of international tax laws and the challenges faced by global public figures.