• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Shakira opens up about 'tough' split from Gerard Piqué, tax fraud case in Spain

2:21
Shakira heads to court in Spain over tax fraud charges
Laurent Koffel/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
ByCarson Blackwelder
September 21, 2022, 8:42 PM

Shakira is opening up about her "tough" breakup with ex Gerard Piqué.

The "Hips Don't Lie" singer, 45, and the soccer player first met in 2010 when Piqué, 35, was in Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" music video and began dating in 2011.

The couple announced their split in a joint statement in June, saying they were "parting ways."

Related Articles

MORE: Shakira and longtime boyfriend Gerard Piqué split after more than a decade

"I've remained quiet and just tried to process it all. Um, and yeah, it's hard to talk about it, especially because I'm still going through it, and because I'm in the public eye and because our separation is not like a regular separation," Shakira told Elle for the magazine's October cover story.

Gerard Pique and Shakira arrive at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, May 18, 2014, in Las Vegas.
WireImage via Getty Images

She added that the split has been "tough not only for me, but also for my kids," referencing her and Piqué's sons, 9-year-old Milan and 7-year-old Sasha.

Editor’s Picks

Shakira 'confident that her innocence will be proven' as tax fraud case continues

  • Aug 01, 2022

Shakira's legal battle over alleged tax fraud

  • Jul 30, 2022

Shakira and longtime boyfriend Gerard Piqué split after more than a decade

  • Jun 06, 2022

The three-time Grammy winner said paparazzi have camped outside her house and that she hides from them inside with her children, saying it's "hard" to do things "like a regular family" because of the constant attention.

Shakira called it her "number one mission in life" to protect her kids and shield them from whatever she may be going through in the public eye, though it is a big challenge.

"It's really upsetting for two kids who are trying to process their parents' separation," she said. "And sometimes I just feel like this is all a bad dream and that I'm going to wake up at some point. But no, it's real."

Shakira attends the Cannes Festival, May 25, 2022.
Laurent Koffel/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Shakira also opened up about her tax fraud trial in Spain. The singer is accused of failing to pay 14.5 million euros, or $14.8 million, in taxes between 2012 and 2014, a period in which her representatives have claimed she did not live in the country.

If convicted, she could face more than eight years in prison as well as owe $24.5 million in fines, plus interest.

Related Articles

MORE: Shakira 'confident that her innocence will be proven' as tax fraud case continues

In her Elle interview, Shakira reiterated -- as a representative for the singer told "Good Morning America" last month -- that she is "confident" that she has enough proof to support her case and that justice will prevail in her favor against what she called "false accusations" and "fictional claims."

"I have to fight for what I believe," she said, referring to her decision in July to reject a settlement offer from the Spanish prosecutor on the case. The terms of that settlement have not been made public.

A date for the trial has yet to be set.

Editor’s Picks

Shakira 'confident that her innocence will be proven' as tax fraud case continues

  • Aug 01, 2022

Shakira's legal battle over alleged tax fraud

  • Jul 30, 2022

Shakira and longtime boyfriend Gerard Piqué split after more than a decade

  • Jun 06, 2022

Up Next in Culture—

Astronomer CEO steps down after viral Coldplay 'kiss cam' clip, company confirms

July 19, 2025

Katy Perry experiences a frightening onstage mishap during concert in San Francisco

July 19, 2025

Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock reunite on 'Practical Magic 2' set: 'The witches are back'

July 18, 2025

Tech company Astronomer launches investigation into 'kiss cam' moment at Coldplay concert

July 18, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News