Shakira gratefully acknowledged her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia for recognizing her achievements by erecting a magnificent 21-foot bronze statue in her honor. The renowned superstar, aged 46, took to social media on Tuesday to express her appreciation, posting pictures of her parents, William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia del Carmen Ripoll Torrado, standing proudly in front of the towering sculpture. In her Instagram caption, she joyfully exclaimed, “It brings me immense happiness to share this momentous occasion with my parents, especially my mother, on her birthday. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.” Positioned along the waterfront of Barranquilla, where she was born and raised, the statue captures Shakira’s essence, reminiscent of her iconic 2005 music video for “Hips Don’t Lie,” showcasing her in a bikini top and flowing skirt, skillfully swaying her hips.
Shakira has expressed her gratitude to her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia for the honor of having a 21-foot-tall bronze statue created in her likeness. The statue includes a dedication that highlights her incredible talent and her dedication to children and humanity. This comes at a time when Shakira has faced challenges in her personal life, including the end of her long-term relationship and her father’s hospitalization.
Recently, the renowned singer criticized Spanish authorities for targeting high-profile individuals, citing her own experience of being fined £6.4 million for tax fraud. Despite her insistence of innocence, Shakira made the difficult decision to accept the deal in order to shield her children from the ordeal. She commended those who have fought similar injustices but emphasized that her priority is reclaiming her time for her family and career.
Shakira also condemned the Spanish authorities for their pursuit, noting that this type of case not only drains the energy and time of individuals but also impacts their peace of mind for years. The fine she agreed to is significantly less than what prosecutors initially sought, amounting to £6.4 million for the six tax fraud crimes she confessed to.
Situated by the waterfront in Barranquilla, Colombia, stands a captivating statue paying tribute to the renowned Shakira. This unique sculpture elegantly portrays the beloved artist, adorned in a stylish bikini top and a graceful flowing skirt. Accurately capturing the essence of her famous 2005 music video for the catchy song “Hips Don’t Lie,” the statue flawlessly showcases Shakira’s signature hip-shaking movements. This remarkable piece of art is not only a celebration of her talent but also a nod to her roots in Barranquilla, the place where she was both born and raised.
Engraved on the statue is a heartfelt tribute: ‘With a soul that creates melodies, a rhythmic sway that never deceives, an unparalleled gift, a melodic voice that stirs a multitude, and limbs that stride in pursuit of the betterment of children and mankind.’
The achievement follows a challenging period, encompassing the conclusion of her long-term partnership with Gerard Piqué after nearly a decade together and her father’s hospitalization occurring twice this year.
The Waka Waka star recently criticized Spanish authorities for focusing on ‘well-known individuals’ after being hit with a hefty fine of £6.4 million and a tax bill of £15 million due to financial fraud allegations.
She had already repaid the taxes in question, which amounted to around £15 million (€17m) including interest. Additionally, she will need to pay a fine of £378,000 (€432,000) to avoid imprisonment.
In a statement released by her representatives following the settlement, the singer expressed her commitment to always doing what is right and setting a positive example for others. She mentioned that she seeks guidance from renowned tax authorities, including PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited and Ernst & Young Global Limited, to ensure the best financial decisions.
Despite these efforts, the Spanish tax authorities pursued a case against her, similar to many other well-known individuals and professional athletes. This has resulted in a draining and lengthy process that has affected their energy, time, and peace of mind for years.
While initially determined to prove her innocence in court, with her lawyers confident of a favorable ruling, she decided to resolve the matter to prioritize the well-being of her children. She emphasized the need to move on from the stress and emotional toll of recent years and focus on her loved ones and future ventures such as her upcoming world tour and new album.
She expressed admiration for those who have fought against such injustices until the end but stated that her personal victory lies in regaining time for her children and career.
The case primarily revolved around establishing the amount of time the singer spent in Spain between 2012 and 2014. Known for hit songs like ‘Hips Don’t Lie,’ ‘Whenever, Wherever,’ and the 2010 World Cup anthem ‘Waka Waka,’ she found herself at the center of this legal dispute.
Fortune turns around: Shakira has reached a settlement in a high-profile fraud trial in Barcelona that saves her from potential imprisonment but comes with a hefty seven-figure fine. The case arose from allegations made by Spanish authorities, who claimed that the renowned “Queen of Latin Pop” had spent a significant portion of time in Spain and should have paid taxes in the country. They asserted that Shakira had relocated to Spain in 2011, following the public disclosure of her relationship with former FC Barcelona star Gerard Pique. However, she maintained her official tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015, according to officials. The prosecution contended that Shakira utilized a network of companies based in tax havens deliberately to evade her tax obligations in Spain. The singer’s involvement in the “Paradise Papers” leaks, which exposed the offshore tax arrangements of numerous high-profile figures, including Madonna and Bono, further compounded the legal scrutiny. In response, Shakira’s defense team, the Barcelona-based law firm Molins Defensa Penal, argued in November 2022 that she had not exceeded 60 days of residency in Spain during the relevant period. They maintained that she would have needed to spend at least half of the year in Spain to be considered a fiscal resident. Her defense contended that Shakira led a nomadic lifestyle, embarking on a world tour in 2011 and frequently traveling to the United States to fulfill her duties as a juror on the NBC TV show The Voice. The lawyers asserted that she permanently relocated to Barcelona shortly before the birth of her second son in January 2015. In an interview with Elle magazine in 2022, Shakira stated, “I have already paid all the claimed taxes, even before any lawsuit was filed against me. Therefore, I currently have no outstanding tax obligations.”
The famous singer, with an estimated net worth of around £240 million, has consistently maintained her innocence. However, she stated that she made this decision to protect her children from witnessing their mother endure hardships. Nevertheless, Spanish prosecutors disagreed with her claims. In 2021, the investigating judge, Marco JuberÃas, concluded a three-year investigation and asserted that there was enough evidence to proceed with a trial.
During her interrogation by JuberÃas in 2019, Shakira vigorously defended her innocence. Despite her efforts, she was unsuccessful in appealing to have the case dismissed the following year. The prosecutors were aiming for a sentence of eight years and two months in prison, along with a €24 million fine for the singer.
Shakira’s representatives stated that she had already paid off her debt of €14.5 million, and an additional €3 million in interest, bringing the total to approximately £25.5 million. This sum exceeds what the prosecutors initially sought, which means that she will have repaid more than the required amount.
In July 2022, Shakira declined a settlement offer presented to her by the prosecutors. Through her Spanish public relations firm, Llorente y Cuenca, she expressed her belief in her own innocence and opted to entrust the matter to the legal system. Details of the proposed settlement were not disclosed to the public.