Shakira breaks her silence on 'dark and difficult' split with Gerard Pique
Shakira has spoken out about her split from ex Gerard Pique for the first time since the pair parted ways.
The singer first started dating Gerard Pique back in 2011, and during their 11 year relationship, they've welcomed children Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven.
It was earlier this year that the couple officially confirmed that they had decided to separate and, according to Shakira, it's been 'incredibly difficult' for the whole family.
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The 'Hips Don't Lie' songstress was speaking to Elle Magazine when she decided to finally speak out about her split from the Barcelona FC player.
"Oh, this is really hard to talk about personally, especially as this is the first time I’ve ever addressed this situation in an interview", she said. "I’ve remained quiet and just tried to process it all."
Shakira went on to admit that the whole situation is quite 'hard to talk about' since she's 'still going through it'.
She shared: "It’s been tough not only for me, but also for my kids. Incredibly difficult.
"I have paparazzi camping outside, in front of my house, 24/7. And there’s not a place where I can hide from them with my kids, except for my own house.
"You know, we can’t take a walk in the park like a regular family or go have an ice cream or do any activity without paparazzi following us."
To make matters worse, life in the limelight has meant that Shakira and Gerard's situation has been hard to 'conceal' from her kids, despite it being her 'number one mission in life'.
She said: "They hear things in school from their friends or they come across some disagreeable, unpleasant news online, and it just affects them, you know?"
The ex-couple announced on 6 June that they had decided to part ways with a joint statement which read: "We regret to confirm that we are parting ways.
"For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding."
On top of the split, Shakira has been coping with tax fraud allegations as of late, which could potentially land her with a prison sentence.
The star has rejected a plea deal after being accused of defrauding the Spanish tax office out of €14.5 million (£12.2 million) on income earned between the years 2012 and 2014.
Now that she has rejected the plea deal offered, Shakira's case will go to trial instead. A date has not yet been set.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Family Lives on 0808 800 2222. The line is open to families in England and Wales 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm on weekends.
Ali Condon