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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.

 

 

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UK Says ‘No Entry’ to Kanye West Ahead of Big Comeback Show

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Chicago College Revokes Kanye West's Honorary Doctorate Degree

The United Kingdom government has denied entry to controversial American rapper Kanye West, blocking his planned return to the European stage ahead of a highly anticipated comeback performance.

According to reports, the artist recently applied for permission to travel to the UK, where he was scheduled to headline the popular Wireless Festival in July.

SEE ALSO:Adidas, Kanye West Reach Settlement, Ending Legal Dispute

However, authorities turned down the request, citing concerns that his presence would not be in the interest of public good.

The decision is believed to be linked to widespread backlash over West’s past antisemitic remarks, which have sparked global criticism and strained his professional relationships in recent years.

The UK government’s move reflects a growing trend of holding high-profile figures accountable for statements considered harmful or divisive.

West was billed to perform across all three nights of the festival, set to take place at Finsbury Park in London, as part of what many fans saw as a major comeback tour.

His absence now leaves organizers scrambling to adjust the lineup for one of the summer’s biggest music events.

While officials have not provided further details beyond the decision, the development has stirred reactions across the entertainment industry, with fans and critics divided over the government’s stance.

As anticipation builds toward the festival, attention now shifts to how organizers will fill the void left by one of music’s most polarizing figures.

 

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‘Cancer Is Not a Joke, Show Proof’ – VDM Calls Out Blessing CEO

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Nigerian entertainer Martin’s Ortse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM) has expressed skepticism over influencer Blessing CEO’s claims that she is battling breast cancer and seeking financial support for urgent surgery.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, VDM cautioned about the sensitive nature of cancer and the need for transparency before public appeals.

“I just hope what Blessing CEO is saying is true because cancer is a very sensitive matter globally. Cancer is not something that someone should joke with; it has claimed the lives of many people. A friend of mine lost his mother from cancer,” he wrote.

SEE ALSO: Blessing CEO Battles Breast Cancer, Appeals to Fans for Urgent Surgery Support

VDM questioned the authenticity of Blessing CEO’s claims, pointing out the absence of hospital documentation.

“I’m not convinced enough that Blessing CEO is telling the truth. Why? Because you did not post any proof from the hospital that diagnosed you. You did not provide the hospital or a doctor’s report.

“You said a lot of resources have gone into your health, yet you did not provide receipts for people to see. Instead, you came online appealing emotionally, saying this is the time for people to show you love,” he added.

Recall that Blessing CEO had shared in a video on Instagram that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and urgently needs surgery, including a possible amputation, to halt the progression of the illness.

She revealed that what initially seemed like a harmless lump in her right breast last year was later confirmed as cancer, and the illness has now spread to her left breast.

“I have not been able to work, and my resources have been exhausted. That is why I am appealing for support. If my words have ever had a positive impact on your life, and you are a fan, this is the time to show it. Nothing is too small. I just want to be well,” she said.

 

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Blessing CEO Battles Breast Cancer, Appeals to Fans for Urgent Surgery Support

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Nigerian influencer Blessing CEO has revealed that she is battling breast cancer and is seeking urgent financial support to undergo life-saving surgery.

In a video shared on Instagram, Blessing, who appeared bald, explained that she had exhausted her personal resources on treatment and felt “powerless,” prompting her to go public.

ALSO READ: I Make $40,000 Montly With Content Creation Says Blessing CEO

“I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. At this point, I urgently need surgery, including a possible amputation, to stop the spread and determine how far the tumour has gone, and whether one or both breasts will be affected,” she said.

Born Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, Blessing revealed that what initially seemed like a harmless lump in her right breast last year was later confirmed as cancer after further tests.

She disclosed that the illness has now spread to her left breast, making surgical intervention critical.

“It started last year as a lump, and I went to the hospital. Weeks after the tests, I was told it was not cancerous, so I decided not to remove it at the time because I had a lot going on.

“But when I was ready to have it removed, another test was carried out, and it was discovered that the lump was cancerous and had spread to the left breast. We are now considering an amputation,” she explained.

Blessing made a heartfelt appeal to her fans: “If my words have ever had a positive impact on your life, and you are a fan, this is the time to show it. Nothing is too small. I just want to be well.”

The influencer is urging anyone willing to offer support to contribute toward her medical expenses as she prepares for potentially life-saving surgery.

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