Eurovision host Bar Refaeli accused of dodging taxes

Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli, one of the Eurovision hosts, has been accused of not paying her taxes, with an Israeli court saying she owes 2 million euros.

Model Bar Refaeli poses for photographers upon arrival at the Dior ready to wear Fall-Winter 2019-2020 collection, that was presented in Paris, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Model Bar Refaeli. Source: AP

Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli, a host of this week's Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, owes the state around 2 million euros ($A3 million) in unpaid taxes, a court has ruled, just as Israel is gearing up for the contest.

She will also have to pay legal costs of 30,000 euros, the Israeli Ministry of Justice announced on Sunday.

Refaeli is accused of not fully declaring her million-dollar earnings in Israel and abroad. She and her mother also allegedly did not declare celebrity perks.
The model had claimed she was not predominantly based in Israel during disputed tax years since 2009, but the court found otherwise.

She allegedly paid very little rent for her expensive apartment in Tel Aviv. She is also said to have received a luxury car as a gift in return for promotional work.

Refaeli made her breakthrough in 2007 when she was the first Israeli model to adorn the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. She is also known for her relationship with the actor Leonardo DiCaprio. The couple separated in 2011.

The Eurovision Grand Final will be held on Sunday 19 May at 5am (AEST) with an 8pm (AEST) replay on SBS Australia. It will also be streamed on .

Head to the  for all the latest news from Tel Aviv.


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Published 13 May 2019 9:38am
Updated 13 May 2019 11:01am


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