POP star Shakira has opened up about her “difficult year” since her split from footballer Gerard Pique.
The Colombian songstress, 46, split up from the Barcelona and Spain defender last year.
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Shakira took to social media to beg for privacy for her and her children after claiming photographers had been snapping her kids outside their school.
It comes as the “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Wherever, Whenever” singer prepares to begin a new chapter of her life in Miami, Florida.
The announcement marks almost a year after her split from Pique following allegations that the 36-year-old footballer had cheated on her.
In her post, the singer spoke about the “changes” in her life since then and how they had affected her children.
Her Instagram post, which has already racked up more than one million likes, reads: “Dear friends, journalists, and media.
“At this moment of changes in my life as a public figure, it is understandable that there is a permanent curiosity from the press around me and my family.
“Yet my children, Milan and Sasha have lived a very difficult year, suffering an incessant siege and relentless pursuit by paparazzi and various media in Barcelona.
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“As they begin a new phase in their lives, I urge the media on behalf of my children to please respect their right to privacy.”
She also called on photographers to stop “following” her two children, Milan, nine, and seven-year-old Sasha.
The post went on: “I ask you to refrain from following them to the exit or entrance of the school, wait for them at the door of our house, or chase them to their extracurricular activities and games as it has happened every day in Barcelona in order to obtain photographs or better ratings.
“I trust that journalists and photographers are sensitive to the situation facing Milan and Sasha and can behave in the most humane way possible with them, given that this is the health and physical and emotional integrity of two under eight and 10 years just wishing they could go out on the street, and attend school feeling safe and having the peace of mind not being chased or subjected to constant surveillance of cameras.”
She continued: “I extend this petition no longer as an artist, but as a mother who wants to protect and care for the psychological and emotional wellbeing of her children so that they can live a healthy and happy life, as every child deserves.
“Thank you for your understanding and support.”
Shakira and Pique split up last year after more than 11 years together.
The pair met shortly before the 2010 World Cup while filming the music video for Shakira’s official tournament song “Waka Waka”.
Pique is now dating model Clara Chia Marti.
He is reported to have bragged to friends about dating the 24-year-old, telling pals “I feel younger” as a result of the age difference.
Pique announced his retirement from football last year after almost 400 appearances for Barcelona and more than 100 for the Spanish national side.
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