Entertainment
Shakira Faces Tax Fraud Trial In Barcelona
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.
Renowned Nollywood producer and director Shina Sanyaolu has passed away, leaving the Yoruba film industry in mourning.
The news of his death was confirmed by Bolaji Amusan, a prominent figure in the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), through an Instagram post on Wednesday.
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Amusan shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a photograph of Sanyaolu, writing, “Sleep well Uncle Shina Sanyaolu.” The cause of Sanyaolu’s death has not yet been disclosed, and the industry is now paying its respects through social media tributes and condolences.
Sanyaolu was a distinguished figure in Nollywood, known for his significant contributions to the Yoruba film sector. His passing marks a somber moment for the industry and his many admirers.
Colleagues and fans are expressing their sorrow and celebrating his contributions to Nigerian cinema as they come to terms with the loss.
Popular Nigerian comedian Bright Okpocha, better known as Basketmouth, has introduced his new partner to the public, marking a significant step forward since his divorce from ex-wife Elsie two years ago.
Basketmouth, who separated from Elsie in December 2022 after 12 years of marriage, took to Instagram on Thursday morning to share a cozy video with his new lover.
In the post, he hinted at embarking on a new chapter in his life, signaling his readiness to move forward in his personal journey.
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“About to step into the next chapter of my life,” Basketmouth captioned the video, which captured moments of affection between him and his new companion.
The comedian’s announcement has garnered considerable attention on social media, with fans and followers expressing their support and curiosity about his new relationship.
This public display comes as Basketmouth continues to navigate life post-divorce, maintaining his prominence in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Renowned Nigerian gospel singer Dele Agbeyo, popularly known as Dele Gold, has tragically passed away at the age of 42.
The news of his death, following a brief illness, has left fans and the music community in mourning.
Dele Gold’s colleague and fellow gospel artist, Alayo Melody, expressed shock and sadness on social media, confirming the heartbreaking news.
“Dele Gold died kee? Ahhh This is getting too much!!!! May God help us stop this untimely death. Dele Agbeyo May your soul rest well,” Alayo Melody wrote in a heartfelt post on his official page.
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Known as The Miliki Gospel King, Dele Gold hailed from Usi, Ekiti State, but spent his formative years in Faforiji, Osun State.
His powerful voice and devotion to gospel music endeared him to fans across Nigeria and beyond.
The passing of Dele Gold comes just weeks after the untimely death of another gospel singer, Aduke Gold, highlighting a somber period for the Nigerian gospel music industry.
Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating Dele Gold’s musical legacy and offering condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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