According to reports, Shakira will stand trial in Spain for alleged tax fraud. The Columbian music diva will face trial in Spain on six counts of tax fraud, a judge ruled on September 27, according to the Associated Press via NBC News. The trial's start date, which will take place in Esplugues de Llobregat, a town close to Barcelona, has not yet been determined.
Spanish prosecutors alleged that Shakira had not transferred up to 14.5 million euros in tax between 2012 and 2014, leading to the singer being charged with tax cheating in 2018. Although Shakira's official residence was designated as the Bahamas, the prosecution claims that she spent more than half of that time in Spain, where her ex-boyfriend Gerard Piqué plays professional soccer, and that she was required to pay taxes there.
The singer has refuted the allegations, and in a statement provided to Elle by her rep, it was stated that she "has always cooperated and abided by the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and a taxpayer". These were described as "false accusations" by the singer in her October cover story for the publication.
Recently, Shakira has made headlines for a variety of events, including her dramatic breakup with Gerard Piqué. The former couple, who had two boys and had been married for eleven years, issued a joint statement to declare their separation "We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, who are our utmost priority, we request respect for [our] privacy."
