Pop star Shakira and Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué have called it quits after being in a relationship for 11 years.
News of pop star Shakira and her partner, Spanish footballer Gerard Pique separating after 11 years of relationship has left fans shell-shocked.
"We regret to confirm that we are separating," the couple, who share two children, said in a statement released by Shakira's public relations firm. "For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your understanding."
This statement came a couple of days after a report in El Periodico stated that the world-renowned pop star caught Pique cheating with another woman a few weeks back, which has led to the alleged split. Following this, the Barca star moved out of the house that he shared with Shakira and lived in his bachelor pad for several weeks.
The report added that Pique has been living a "party lifestyle" and regularly frequents nightclubs such as the Bling Bling and Patron in Barcelona with friend Riqui Puig and others. It also stated that the partying has seen Pique and his friend, accompanied by other women, as well as staying out until two and three in the morning.
Also read: ‘We are separating’ say Shakira, Gerard Pique as they part ways
Although there is no confirmation if Pique did indeed cheat on Shakira, fans of the pop sensation are convinced that the Barcelona defender left her heartbroken. Some fans even trolled the footballer for his alleged act of cheating, asking him how could he do something like that to Shakira.
Here's a look at some of the reactions on Twitter:
How on gods green earth do you cheat on SHAKIRA, shame on you Pique that’s actually next level weird man 😭
— 𝓛𝓮𝓮🍊 (@IeeSZN)I can’t get over the fact that Pique was blessed with Shakira and still had the audacity to fumble the bag. Disgusting 😭
— Erika del Valle🌻 (@leticia_GMZ)So you’re telling me Shakira and Piqué separated 3 months ago and she’s been living her best live ever since?
QUEEN SHIT pic.twitter.com/5meynheFmG
Apparently Pique cheated on Shakira, bro couldn’t even defend his marriage
— Agam🐰 (@agambi7)yo despues de enterarme que pique le fue infiel a shakira: pic.twitter.com/JKQRT2wlX6
— wos🦖 (@C4NGUR0)Pique cheating on Shakira is going to damage his legacy more than Anfield and Lisbon ever did 💀
— Kattar (@KattarReborn)Shakira con Waka Waka hizo más por el fútbol que Piqué
— Lissa • 翠仪 (@lissa_cuiyi)How could someone cheat on shakira?! pic.twitter.com/MDnpAqI7P2
— tamima (@Tamima119)Shakira was cheated on. Beyonce was cheated on.
Men don't cheat because of looks.
Men cheat because they want to.
Please don't question yourself why. No mature man does this.
Should be illegal to deceive 's heart, but we all know that you'll get ahead of this no matter what and you'll be better once again, now keep doing the best you know: being successful, beautiful and take care of your children, we're all here for you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WJzLY4K19W
— 𝔞𝔫𝔦𝔪𝔞𝔩 𝔠𝔦𝔱𝔶 (@heyiamemilio)Shakira's music has always been there with me in my darkest, weakest moments, she really made me the strong, powerful black woman that i am today.
Your stan until my last breath .💗🦄 pic.twitter.com/LAnqWkBVCt
Pique has 140 IQ and still isn’t smart enough to not cheat on Shakira 💀 https://t.co/NoweXN3crC
— Daye 🌟 #DembeleACL (@GaviMagic)This woman is one of the most loved, beautiful and good in the world. The idea that she might suffer because she was betrayed by Piqué makes all of us sick. Shakira, you deserve only the best and we are all with you! 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/enRIZlNw6M
— Lorenzo 🤖 (@LorenzoShak_)Shakira ain't got anything to lose here. Pique is the one who lost her . You ain't be getting another Shakira, you bastard. https://t.co/yYXFN7DCBl
— Rahul (@Rahul_230)Shakira always prioritizing her kids, meanwhile pique the rat out hunting other women, glad the queen knew he was never worthy enough for marriage 👑 https://t.co/m6LdSEajaC
— Abira | TE FELICITO 🤖🇵🇰 (@shakmademecrazy)We will always love you, pic.twitter.com/ZS1yVTBNBr
— Risbek (@iamrisbek)Always remember that you are the GREATEST to ever do it and the entire world has your back .
pic.twitter.com/uNj5rCFsJR
I hate Gerrard Pique for cheating on Shakira!!
— Usama Javed (@Usamathejaved)Pique Failed To Keep A Whole Shakira😭😂
What Do Men Really Want?
The 45-year-old Colombian singer met the Barcelona defender while she was promoting her 2010 World Cup anthem, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)." The couple has two children, Sasha and Milan.
While Shakira is one of the world's premier musical artists for her songs and live performances, Pique is one of European soccer's top defenders.
For a decade, the two were portrayed as two halves of a happy partnership that allowed both to continue thriving as extremely popular entertainers. The split now comes with both Shakira and Pique facing their own legal troubles.
Also read: Did Gerard Pique cheat on Shakira; couple on the verge of separation? Details here
Shakira is facing a potential court trial on tax fraud charges in Spain. Prosecutors accuse her of failing to pay 14.5 million euros in taxes on income earned between 2012 and 2014. She has denied any wrongdoing, and her public relations firm says that she has paid back all that she owed.
Pique, for his part, has been implicated in a probe by Spanish state prosecutors looking into the contracts behind the hosting of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. Audios leaked to Spanish media point to a company run by the Barcelona defender, having received commissions worth several million euros for his part in taking the tournament to the Middle Eastern kingdom. The footballer denies any wrongdoing or a conflict of interest despite playing in the Super Cup.