Celebrity News
Shakira wins huge court battle against Spain and could now recover €60 million
Shakira could recover around €60 million after Spain’s National Court ruled she did not commit tax fraud linked to her 2011 world tour.
Credit : lev radin, Shutterstock
After years of legal fights, court hearings and endless headlines in Spain, Shakira has finally scored a major victory against the Spanish tax authorities.
Spain’s National Court has ruled that the Colombian singer did not commit tax fraud linked to her 2011 world tour and that she was not officially living in Spain during the period being investigated. The decision means the tax agency may now have to return around €60 million that had been claimed from the artist, along with interest and legal costs.
For Shakira, it is the end of another exhausting chapter that followed her for years both in courtrooms and across front pages.
And in Spain, where celebrity tax cases tend to attract enormous attention, the ruling is already generating huge debate.
The entire case came down to one question: was Shakira really living in Spain?
That was the central issue from the beginning. Back in 2011, Shakira was constantly travelling around the world for a massive international tour involving more than 100 concerts across 37 countries. According to her legal team, she did not have an official home in Spain at the time, did not yet have children there and did not run her business operations from the country either.
Spanish tax authorities believed otherwise.
Under Spanish law, a person generally becomes a tax resident if they spend more than 183 days per year physically present in Spain. Hacienda argued that Shakira had effectively established residency and therefore owed taxes linked to earnings from the tour.
But according to the National Court, the numbers simply did not support that argument.
Judges stated that even the tax agency’s own calculations only placed the singer at around 163 days in Spain during the relevant period. Shakira herself reportedly acknowledged spending closer to 143 days in the country that year.
Either way, both figures remained below the legal threshold.
The ruling also rejected attempts to include what Spanish authorities described as ‘sporadic absences’ to increase the number of days attributed to her stay in Spain.
According to the court, there was not enough evidence proving Spain had become the centre of Shakira’s economic activity at the time.
In fact, judges concluded that most of her professional structure and business operations remained based abroad.
The court ruling could now force Hacienda to return millions
The financial consequences are enormous. Spanish reports say the tax agency may now have to return the €60 million linked to the dispute, together with accumulated interest and the singer’s legal costs after years of proceedings.
One part of the ruling especially caught attention among legal observers in Spain.
The National Court reportedly ordered the tax administration to cover legal costs, something that does not happen automatically in these kinds of cases. In practice, it often suggests judges considered parts of the case insufficiently justified.
The decision can still be appealed before Spain’s Supreme Court, but for now the ruling represents one of the biggest legal victories Shakira has had since her long running tax problems in Spain began making headlines.
For years, the singer became one of the country’s most visible examples of Hacienda pursuing internationally famous public figures over tax residency disputes.
Every hearing, agreement and investigation linked to her name generated huge media coverage both in Spain and abroad.
The situation became even more high profile because of Shakira’s relationship at the time with former Barcelona footballer Gerard Piqué.
The couple’s life in Spain kept the singer constantly in the public eye, making the legal battle impossible to separate from celebrity coverage.
Shakira says the case affected her health and reputation
After the ruling became public, Shakira released a strongly worded statement expressing relief and frustration after years of legal pressure.
The singer said she endured years of public accusations, reputational damage and emotional strain while insisting there had never been any fraud.
“After more than eight years enduring brutal public exposure, campaigns designed to destroy my reputation and sleepless nights that affected my health and my family’s wellbeing, the National Court has finally put things in their place,” she said in comments published by Spanish magazine Diez Minutos.
She also accused authorities of using her public image to send a warning message to other taxpayers.
According to Shakira, every stage of the process was leaked, amplified and distorted publicly in ways that caused major personal damage.
Her comments are already resonating with many people in Spain who feel tax investigations can sometimes become highly aggressive, especially in high profile cases.
At the same time, the ruling is likely to reopen wider discussions about how Spain handles tax residency disputes involving wealthy international figures whose work and lives are spread across several countries.
For now though, one thing is certain. After nearly a decade of legal battles, one of Spain’s most famous tax cases has ended with a court firmly siding with Shakira.
Venezuela Fury and new husband Noah Price are believed to have fled to Marbella on their honeymoon following weeks of intense online backlash surrounding their relationship and lavish wedding celebrations. Married in a huge ceremony on the Isle of Man, the newlyweds created huge debate across social media because of their young age and the constant attention surrounding the Fury family. The attention is now fully on Marbella after the couple shared a taste of a luxury honeymoon with champagne breakfasts and strawberries.
The pair were spotted at Manchester Airport after the wedding before flying to an undisclosed destination. Venezuela later explained in a TikTok video that they had intentionally kept the honeymoon location private. Fans very quickly linked the couple to Marbella.
A relationship that faced scrutiny from the beginning
Venezuela, the eldest daughter of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, announced her engagement shortly after turning 16. The relationship immediately attracted massive attention online because of the couple’s age and fast-moving romance.
Reports claimed the pair wanted to marry exactly one year after their first kiss, driving social media users to question whether the relationship had moved too quickly. Some also accused the highly publicised wedding of being staged for cameras because of the heavy paparazzi presence and ongoing Netflix interest surrounding the Fury family.
Members of the Fury family repeatedly defended the relationship and pointed to their Traveller background and traditions. Paris Fury previously explained that marrying within the Traveller community meant the couple shared important cultural values and family traditions.
Why Marbella makes sense for the couple
For years, Marbella has been a favourite destination for celebrities, footballers, reality-TV stars and influencers wanting luxury. It attracts a huge amount of high-profile names because of its reputation for elegance, private beach resorts, luxury villas, discreet security, yacht clubs, fine dining and easy access from the UK. Stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Rod Stewart, Conor McGregor, Simon Cowell and numerous former Love Island contestants have all been regularly spotted on the Costa del Sol.
The lavish wedding that dominated social media
Before the honeymoon speculation even began, the wedding itself had already turned into a viral spectacle. The wedding took place at the Comis Hotel on the Isle of Man, and reportedly featured 18 bridesmaids, a 12-foot wedding cake, 20,000 flowers, imported Italian lace, a 50-foot detachable train and a live performance from Peter Andre.
Clips of the ceremony spread like wildfire across TikTok and entertainment sites, turning the event into a huge cultural moment online.
Marbella’s growing reputation as a celebrity honeymoon destination
Attention surrounding this particular honeymoon brings the focus back to Marbella being one of Europe’s most fashionable getaways. Premier League footballers, British influencers, reality-TV personalities, boxing celebrities and luxury lifestyle creators have all made it one of their go to spots.
What happens ‘Nextflix’ for the couple
The wedding and honeymoon has already done something the backlash could not, it has just created more fascination with the couple’s glamorous new chapter. With Netflix interest in the Fury family, many fans now believe that whatever the couple get up to could eventually feature in a future series.
Theo James, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Harris Dickinson & Jacob Elordi. Credit: IMDB
Amazon MGM Studios have released a statement confirming auditions for the next James Bond film have begun after years of speculation.
Variety first reported the development in recent weeks, with the studio eager to update 007 fans at the right moment. Five years have passed since Daniel Craig bowed out in No Time To Die, and it’s been 15 months since Amazon MGM Studios assumed control of the franchise.
Official statement from Amazon MGM Studios on James Bond search
“Search for the next James Bond is underway,” Amazon MGM Studios declared today. Officials added they would avoid comments on specific casting details during this phase but promised further updates soon. Producers hope to honour the legacy with care and deep respect, as Courtenay Valenti said at CinemaCon last month.
No plot, supporting cast or release date details have surfaced for Bond 2026, the 26th official entry in the 64-year film series.
Casting director Nina Gold leads audition process
Nina Gold, a respected Hollywood figure known for casting Game of Thrones together with work on Paddington, Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Mamma Mia!, is overseeing the hunt. Sources close to production confirm her full involvement in identifying an actor capable of stepping into the role once held by Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
Denis Villeneuve and Steven Knight head creative team for Bond’s 26th outing
Filmmakers brought the core team together months ago. Denis Villeneuve, acclaimed for Dune, directs the project while Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the script. Amy Pascal is set to produce the film through Pascal Pictures, fresh from recent Spider-Man films with Tom Holland, and David Heyman contributes via Heyday Films after overseeing all eight Harry Potter movies.
Favourites in bookies odds for next James Bond role
Credit: CT FB
Bookmakers across UK firms such as William Hill, Sky Bet and Oddschecker track intense interest in potential leads. Callum Turner sits as clear frontrunner at 6/5 to 1/1. The 36-year-old London actor featured in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, earned a Bafta nomination for television drama The Capture and appeared in Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air. He also maintains a high-profile relationship with singer Dua Lipa.
Harris Dickinson follows closely at 6/4 to 4/1. This 29-year-old British talent plays John Lennon in forthcoming major Beatles biopics and previously appeared in Maleficent, The King’s Man, Where the Crawdads Sing and Babygirl, plus secured a Bafta TV Award nomination for A Murder at the End of the World.
Jacob Elordi lands at 5/1. The 28-year-old Australian rose through Euphoria and cult favourite Saltburn before earning an Oscar nomination this year for portraying the monster in Frankenstein.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson holds 7/2 to 9/1. The 35-year-old Bafta-nominated performer starred in Kick-Ass, Kraven the Hunter and 28 Years Later.
Theo James appears at 12/1. This 41-year-old suave actor built his profile in the Divergent series and delivered memorable turns in The Time Traveler’s Wife, The White Lotus and The Gentlemen.
Henry Cavill features among longer shots at around 12/1 or wider. The 43-year-old known for Superman, The Witcher and Mission: Impossible roles once came close when Craig won the part but now faces questions over age for a long-term commitment.
Producers could still select from other names in circulation or opt for a surprise choice.
Current bookmakers odds summary
Callum Turner: 6/5 favourite
Harris Dickinson: 6/4
Jacob Elordi: 5/1
Aaron Taylor-Johnson: 7/2 to 9/1
Odds shift rapidly with betting activity and fresh rumours, so live checks on aggregator sites like Oddschecker provide the latest view.
Who would you pick?
BBC
Sir David Attenborough at 100: World’s favourite broadcaster, naturalist, and environmental advocate celebrated
David Attenborough turns 100 today, Friday, May 8, as the UK honours its favourite broadcaster, naturalist, and environmental advocate through various events and public expressions of admiration.
Millions of viewers are tuning in to programmes on multiple channels that cover details from his remarkable career of more than seven decades of dedicated service to informing the public about the natural world.
Viewers young and old will share personal stories about how his distinctive narration changed their understanding of wildlife and its value.
Tributes reach the centenarian from all quarters
Royalty joins ordinary people in sending messages of appreciation to Sir David Attenborough for his lifetime of outstanding work. Prince William has conveyed personal greetings while the King and Queen add their own words of thanks for everything he has done.
An audio recording features Attenborough expressing how overwhelmed he feels by the volume of good wishes that arrive from preschool children and residents in care homes around the country.
The BBC has organised a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate this milestone birthday in grand style.
Happy 100th birthday, Sir David Attenborough 🎉❤️
The broadcaster who changed how we see the natural world.#DavidAttenborough pic.twitter.com/aBEOX2xbvq
— BBC London (@BBCLondonNews) May 8, 2026
Childhood episodes that shaped his path
As a young boy, David Attenborough started out by suppling newts to the zoology department at University College Leicester for three pence each as a way to earn some pocket money.
His parents took in two Jewish refugee sisters who had escaped Nazi Germany and looked after them for seven years in their family home.
Attenborough discovered an ammonite fossil as a boy when he split open a rock during one of his explorations, an event that provoked his lasting interest in natural history from an early point.
Quirks and habits little discussed
Possibly one of the most well-travelled Brits in history, Attenborough never actually learned to drive a car despite going on journeys to far-flung locations for filming wildlife documentaries over most of his life.
Surprisingly, of all the animal kingdom, rats terrify him most, following incidents in the Solomon Islands where the creatures ran across his bed and the floor of his hut during a powerful thunderstorm.
His home welcomed various wild animals over the years, including gibbons, chimpanzees, lemurs, snakes, and chameleons that stayed as temporary guests from time to time.
Innovations in television and lasting honours
Sir David Attenborough responds to 100th birthday greetings pic.twitter.com/NYCx6sKCBc
— The Independent (@Independent) May 7, 2026
Attenborough started at the BBC without even owning a television set himself and had seen only one programme in his life before that moment.
At one point, he promoted snooker broadcasts to introduce colour television effectively to British audiences because the multicoloured balls helped demonstrate the advantages of the new format.
Dozens of plants, frogs, and other creatures carry scientific names honouring his work in natural history and his efforts to document species across the globe.
Attenborough is still the sole person to win BAFTAs for programmes produced in black-and-white, colour, high definition, and three-dimensional formats throughout his long career.
Legacy that motivates action on nature
Programmes from his extensive catalogue air once more while new retrospectives examine his childhood inspirations and lesser-known abilities that kept him going. Fans worldwide recall how his storytelling encouraged them to value and protect the natural world in their daily lives.
A newly identified parasitic wasp discovered in Chile gains a name linked to Attenborough in recognition of his lifetime achievements in the field of natural sciences.
His voice and passion for the environment keep motivating people of every age to take practical steps towards conservation and sustainability wherever they live.
Sir David Attenborough, we salute you on this auspicious day, your 100th birthday, as possibly the most celebrated and cherished Brit, and one we can all be proud of.
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