Spanish Court Clears Shakira in Tax Dispute, Orders €55M Refund

A court in Madrid has ruled in favor of global music star Shakira, directing Spain’s tax agency to return more than €55 million ($64 million) after determining she was wrongly penalized over her 2011 tax status.

Judges found that the singer did not meet the required number of days in Spain to be considered a tax resident that year, overturning previous claims that led to heavy fines.

Reacting to the ruling, Shakira said the decision brings an end to years of public scrutiny and legal pressure that affected both her reputation and family life. The court clarified that the judgment applies only to the 2011 tax case, separate from an earlier settlement linked to later tax years.