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Shakira Faces Tax Fraud Trial In Barcelona

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On Monday, Colombian superstar Shakira would be standing trial in Barcelona for a tax fraud case, with Spanish prosecutors pursuing over eight years of jail time.

The 46-year-old is accused of defrauding the Spanish state of 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) from income earned between 2012 and 2014.

Shakira denies the charges, asserting that she only relocated to Spain full time in 2015.

The focus of the case revolves around determining the time the singer, known for hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever,” and the 2010 World Cup song “Waka Waka,” spent in Spain between 2012 and 2014.

Spanish authorities claim that Shakira, dubbed the Queen of Latin Pop, spent more than half of the period between 2012 and 2014 in Spain and should have paid taxes in the country.

They assert that she moved to Spain in 2011 after her relationship with former FC Barcelona star defender Gerard Pique became public. However, they argue she maintained official tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015.

According to the indictment, the prosecution alleges that Shakira “used a set of companies” based in tax havens “with the intention of not paying” tax in Spain.

Prosecutors are pushing for an eight-year and two-month jail term, along with a fine of nearly 24 million euros ($24 million) for the singer.

In defense, Shakira’s lawyers argue that until 2014, she led a “nomadic life,” primarily earning from international tours, and only permanently moved to Barcelona just before the birth of her second son in January 2015.

In a 2022 interview with Elle magazine, the singer declared, “I’ve paid everything they claimed I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. So, as of today, I owe zero to them.”

In June 2022, Shakira announced her separation from Pique, concluding a decade-long relationship that marked one of the world’s most famous celebrity couples. In April, she relocated to Miami with their two sons, Milan and Sasha.

The high-profile trial is scheduled to commence at a Barcelona court at 10 am (0900 GMT). Anticipated to extend until December 14, the proceedings are set to involve the testimonies of nearly 120 witnesses.

During the trial’s opening session, the singer is anticipated to take the stand, but there may be a request for her absence in subsequent hearings.

The proceedings are expected to unveil details of her private life, as Spanish prosecutors conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing neighbors, monitoring social media images, examining payments at hairdressers, and even scrutinizing the health clinic she attended during pregnancy to substantiate their accusations.

 

 

Entertainment

Speed Darlington Released From Kuje Prison After Court Order

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Don't Compare Me To Portable – Speed Darlington

Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.

Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”

The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.

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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.

Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.

Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.

The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

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Dele Odule Reflects On His Saddest Life Moment: Losing His First Child

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.

The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.

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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.

He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”

Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.

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What Burna Boy Told Me After Giving Me $30,000 — Cubana Chief Priest’s Cousin

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Burna Boy Left Fans Hanging At Netherlands Concert

In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.

This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.

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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.

As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.

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