Washington: Pop sensation Shakira recently opened up about the emotional struggles she faced following her highly publicized breakup with Spanish football star Gerard Piqué in 2022. The singer, known for chart-topping hits such as “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Waka Waka,” discussed the immense toll the separation took on her, revealing the pain she experienced during the tumultuous period and how her close friend, Chris Martin, frontman of the popular band Coldplay, provided invaluable emotional support.
In a candid interview, Shakira shared the profound impact her split from Piqué had on her mental health. The two had been in a relationship for 11 years and share two children, Milan (11) and Sasha (9). Despite the challenges, Shakira has remained focused on prioritizing her children, shielding them from the chaos surrounding the breakup.
The Heartbreak and Chris Martin’s Support
Shakira recalled the overwhelming pain she felt during the breakup, describing it as the “greatest suffering” she had ever experienced. “The suffering I felt was probably the greatest I had ever experienced in my entire life, and it kept me from functioning at times,” she revealed. Shakira likened the emotional anguish to a physical wound, describing it as feeling like someone had “stabbed a hole in [her] chest.” This intense emotional turmoil left her feeling as though others could see right through her, amplifying the depth of her grief.
During this difficult period, Shakira turned to her close friend Chris Martin for support. The singer shared that Martin, who had been in regular contact with her, checked in daily to offer words of encouragement, strength, and wisdom. “He was there for me when I got separated and was heartbroken,” Shakira said. “He was checking in every day to see how I was doing, sending me words of support and strength and wisdom.”
Shakira praised Martin’s empathy, noting that he has “a different lens” on life and is exceptionally considerate of other people’s emotional needs. “He’s very empathetic, very empathetic,” she continued. Martin’s unwavering concern and thoughtful check-ins helped provide Shakira with the strength she needed to cope with the heartbreak, offering her solace when it seemed out of reach.
A Long Road to Healing Through Music
Despite the emotional turmoil, Shakira found solace in her music, which played a crucial role in her healing process. She explained that she had been silent for months after the breakup, unable to fully begin grieving until she started writing music. “I had been silent for many months after my separation, trying to start my mourning, but I couldn’t really begin to grieve until I started writing music,” Shakira revealed in a separate interview. “It was my method of getting better. And it still is.”
Music became a crucial outlet for Shakira to process her emotions. Her upcoming album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (“Women Don’t Cry Anymore”), released in 2024, marked her first album in seven years. The album’s creation became an essential part of her grieving process, and she described how it helped her navigate the “many highs and lows” of healing. “The grieving process is not a straight line,” she added, acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster she continues to experience.
Impact of the Breakup and Infidelity Rumors
Shakira and Piqué’s breakup was not only widely covered in the media but also came with rumors of infidelity, further adding to the emotional distress the singer faced. While the two never publicly addressed the rumors, Shakira has continued to maintain a focused approach, prioritizing her children above all else. She made it clear that her healing process was deeply intertwined with her devotion to Milan and Sasha, who have remained a central part of her life.
Looking Forward
Despite the emotional challenges of the past two years, Shakira has emerged resilient, using her music as both a therapeutic tool and a platform for personal expression. As her new album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, resonates with listeners, it is clear that the singer has channeled her heartbreak into creating something meaningful. The support from friends like Chris Martin, alongside her focus on her family, has provided Shakira with the foundation she needed to heal and move forward.
As she continues to prioritize her children and her music career, Shakira remains a testament to strength in the face of adversity, with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep commitment to her personal growth. The singer’s journey of healing is far from over, but her openness about the process offers hope and inspiration to others facing similar struggles.
