Shakira acquitted of Spanish tax evasion charge for 2011

Colombian singer Shakira has been acquitted by Spain's Audiencia Nacional of tax evasion charges for 2011. The court ruled that she was not required to pay taxes in Spain that year because she spent more than half the year abroad, had no marital or work ties to Spanish citizens, and conducted most of her professional activity outside Spain. The case stemmed from Spanish tax authorities' claim that Shakira should have registered her tax residence in Spain in 2011, when she was in a relationship with former Barcelona footballer Gerard Piqué and spent long periods in the country. In 2021, she was forced to pay a €55 million fine. The ruling is not final and can be appealed to the Tribunal Supremo. If upheld, Spain must return the fine plus interest, which Shakira's lawyers estimate at around €60 million. Shakira previously settled separate tax evasion charges for 2012–2014 by paying a €7.25 million fine.