Shakira Cleared of Tax Fraud; $64 Million to be Returned

Shakira has been cleared of tax fraud by Spain's high court after a protracted legal battle. The court ruled that Spain's tax authorities could not prove that she spent the minimum required 183 days in the country during 2011, determining she was present for only 163 days, which is 20 days short of the threshold needed to establish tax residency.

As a result, the court dismissed income tax charges and accompanying fines, which had previously amounted to nearly $24 million in income tax and approximately $25 million in fines. Shakira described the legal proceedings as an orchestrated campaign against her, affecting her health and family.

The Spain's tax agency announced plans to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, meaning no funds will be released until a final decision is reached. This case dates back to the period when Shakira lived in Barcelona and was in a relationship with Gerard Piqué.

In her latest statement, she emphasized that the court's ruling is a victory for ordinary citizens.