Shakira Called to Court to Testify in Tax Evasion Case

Shakira stands accused of tax evasion in Spain and has been called to testify in a Barcelona court on June 12, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Prosecutors accused the Colombian singer, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, of tax evasion in a case made public late last year. They alleged that she owed over $16.3m for the period between 2012 to 2014.

They argued that the singer was living in Spain during the stipulated time frame, making her eligible to pay tax on income earned anywhere in the world, but the singer listed her residence as outside of the country.

Shakira switched residences in 2015 from the Bahamas to Barcelona, where she lives with her partner, soccer player Gerard Pique, and the couple's two sons. Spanish tax authorities previously suspected she already lived in the northeast city between 2012 and 2014, when she allegedly failed to pay income taxes in Spain.

In their indictment, Prosecutors further alleged that the singer concealed her income through 14 companies in tax heavens, The Associated Press reports.

Unnamed sources close to Shakira previously denied that the singer evaded tax, insisting that she was living outside of Spain during the relevant timeframe, BBC noted.  Shakira’s public relations firm in Spain said she had already settled debts with Spanish tax authorities but would make a court appearance in June to testify, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  

• Shakira's Vocal Cords on the Mend, Tour Dates Announced
• Shakira, Rihanna Duet 'Can't Remember to Forget You' Due Monday