
In a turn of events that feels hardly short of a lyric of her many chart-topping songs, Colombian pop sensation Shakira finds herself walking away from an alleged tax evasion case for her 2018 income in Spain.
Spain’s notable investigative magistrate provisionally put an end to the proceedings on Thursday, aligning with prosecutors’ recommendations. The high-profile investigation spotlighted Shakira over the alleged evasion of 6.7 million euros ($7.2 million), a sum reportedly avoided using an offshore company.
The ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ singer, however, refuted the allegations staunchly.
State prosecutors, who were the backbone of the initial misconduct accusations, seem to have shifted their footing, expressing Wednesday that there was a significant lack of concrete evidence pointing towards a potential fiscal transgression. Reiterating their position, they suggested that the investigation be conclusively dismissed.
Thursday’s statement emanating from the court investigation echoes this sentiment. The court posits that without an official accusation from the prosecutors or the regional government of Catalonia situated in northeastern Spain, the case lacks sufficient reason to be pursued further.
In clear language, the court stated: “there is no indication that can prove that Shakira Isabel M. R. had consciously and voluntarily omitted information and documentation with tax significance.”
The diva’s reprieve now hangs on the potential for an appeal. If prosecutors choose not to appeal the ruling within the span of a week, the decision brings down the curtain on the case.
This recent development comes on the heels of another legal entanglement that Shakira found herself mired in. The megastar voluntarily acknowledged an omission in her fiscal responsibilities to the Spanish government totaling to an astronomic 14.5 million euros (approximately $15.6 million) in unpaid taxes between 2012 and 2014.
Following a deal with prosecutors in November, the cougar-voiced star agreed to repay the substantial sum.
Sizzling on stage and off, Shakira, known as much for her rich vocals as her swirling hips, currently finds her home in Miami, having left Spain in the wake of her split with former soccer player, Gerard Piqué.