Fresh off a monumental legal triumph, global pop icon Shakira took to Instagram to celebrate the Spanish National High Court’s decision to throw out her 2011 tax fraud case. Not only was she completely acquitted, but the court also ordered the Spanish Treasury to refund her a jaw-dropping sum of over €60 million (nearly $70 million USD).
Never one to miss a beat, Shakira soundtracked her celebratory Instagram carousel with Rihanna’s iconic anthem, “B**** Better Have My Money.”
The bold audio choice perfectly matched her mood as the court ruled that the government had wrongfully targeted her, falling 20 days short of proving she was a fiscal resident in 2011.
Spain Ordered to Return Millions to Shakira
The celebratory post followed a major courtroom victory for Shakira after an exhausting legal battle that stretched nearly eight years.
Spain’s High Court ruled prosecutors failed to prove the singer spent enough time in the country during 2011 to qualify as a tax resident. That decision ultimately cleared her of fraud accusations tied to her residency status.
As part of the ruling, Spain’s tax agency, Hacienda, has reportedly been ordered to return more than €60 million, or roughly $70 million USD, including interest.
The ruling marked a major turning point in one of the entertainment world’s most closely watched international tax disputes.
Shakira Speaks Out After the Ruling
GettyFollowing the court’s decision, Shakira released a powerful statement reflecting on the emotional toll of the case.
“After more than eight years of enduring brutal public targeting,” she said, “the National High Court has finally set the record straight.”
The singer insisted there “was never any fraud” and criticized what she described as years of leaked information and public scrutiny.
She also dedicated the victory to ordinary people navigating overwhelming legal systems.
“My greatest wish is that this ruling sets a precedent,” she explained, “for the thousands of ordinary citizens who are abused and crushed every day by a system that presumes their guilt.”
The statement quickly spread across social media as supporters rallied behind the singer.
Fans Loved the Rihanna Song Choice
While the legal victory itself was major news, the Instagram soundtrack became a viral moment of its own.
Fans flooded the comments praising the singer’s sense of humor and subtle shade. Many joked that using Rihanna’s anthem against an entire government was iconic behavior.
One viral reaction read, “Using Rihanna to demand €60 million from a whole country is legendary.”
Others referenced Shakira’s famous hit lyrics, writing variations of “Her hips don’t lie — and neither did her attorneys.”
What Happens Next in the Legal Battle
Although the ruling represents a major victory for Shakira, the situation may not be entirely over.
Reports indicate Spanish officials could still attempt to appeal the decision before the Supreme Court. For now, however, fans are fully embracing the singer’s courtroom triumph and unapologetic celebration.
And thanks to one unforgettable Rihanna soundtrack choice, the moment has already become one of pop culture’s most talked-about celebrity reactions of the week.
