Shakira Opens Up About Feeling Restricted by Marriage After Gerard Pique Breakup: 'I Felt Bad'

Shakira has reflected on her newly-single status after separating from her long-term partner, Gerard Piqué, in 2022 following a 12-year relationship. The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer discussed how she now finds herself in a better place with her music career during a recent Apple Music 1 interview with Zane Lowe.

“Surprisingly, it feels somewhat liberating to be without a husband. I can't quite explain it, but it seemed to be a burden,” the 47-year-old singer admitted to Lowe on Wednesday, March 20. Though she and Gerard, 37, weren't officially married, they were partners for over a decade and are parents to two sons, Milan and Sasha.

Shakira, originally from Colombia, went on to describe her conflicting emotions composing and working while she was in a relationship with Piqué, the ex-professional soccer player.

“Whenever I was obliged to devote time to my work in the recording studio, I felt I was falling short,” she expressed. “I often felt as though I was neglecting my family. This caused moments where I wasn't entirely happy with the situation. Feelings of guilt and being torn were common.”

Even though she's now juggling her work with being a single mother, something she admits is more "challenging", Shakira remarked that she is in a state where she “feels an urge to get to work."

“I'm inspired to write music and create melodies. It has become a compulsion which I had not felt previously,” she confessed further.

Shakira and Gerard publicized their breakup via a shared announcement made on June 4, 2022. “We are saddened to confirm our separation,” the statement read. “Our children's best interests are our main concern, and we hope for discretion regarding our private matters. We appreciate your understanding.”

Later that year, in September, the “Waka Waka” vocalist opened up about the struggles she faced during the post-breakup phase. Speaking to Elle, she described that period as “the darkest hours of my life” and shared how music became her solace in coping with it.

Shakira and Gerard's paths first crossed when he took part in a music video she was recording for the World Cup in 2010. The two started dating officially in March 2011 and made their first appearance together on the red carpet in January 2012. The former couple welcomed their first son, Milan, in January 2013, with their second son, Sasha, joining the family in January 2015.

In January 2020, Shakira confessed her apprehensions about marrying Gerard. She attributed her reluctance to a sense of fear.

“To put it bluntly, the idea of marriage terrifies me. I prefer him to see me as his girlfriend rather than his wife,” she shared. “As a lover, his lady love. It's akin to the allure of forbidden fruit, you know? I want to keep him on edge. I want him to think that depending on his actions, anything’s possible.”