Shakira Asks that her Image Not be Used in the Colombian Presidential Election Campaign
The Colombian artist stated that she does not endorse any candidate in the presidential runoff election.
Singer Shakira denied on Friday that she supports either of the two candidates vying for the Presidency of Colombia and asked that her image not be used for political purposes after a doctored image linking her to leftist candidate Iván Cepeda was published on social media. “The images circulating of me supporting presidential candidates are false. I do not endorse any candidate, nor have I authorized the use of my image in any campaign,” Shakira stated in a message released by her team, emphasizing that she does not support Cepeda or the far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. In the image circulating on social media, the Colombian artist stars in a poster in which she appears between the leftist candidate and his vice-presidential running mate, Senator Aida Quilcué.
The image bore the message “Wolfpack with the Historical Pact,” which associates the artist’s followers with the party to which Cepeda and Colombian President Gustavo Petro belong. Following a complaint from the singer of “Waka Waka” and “Hips Don’t Lie,” the image was removed from social media. Shakira asks people to vote in the elections but without endorsing any candidates “My commitment is to Colombia, to its democracy, and to the right of every Colombian to choose freely. My wish is that these elections take place with transparency and in an atmosphere of peace for all Colombians,” Shakira added.
In the first round of the presidential election last Sunday, De la Espriella obtained 10.3 million votes (43.78%), while Cepeda obtained 9.7 million (40.98%), according to consolidated data from the vote count and released by the National Electoral Council (CNE) , and they will compete in the second round on June 21. Currently, the artist is promoting the single “Dai Dai” with Nigerian Burna Boy, the official song of the 2026 World Cup, which they will present at the opening ceremony on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
“The images circulating of me supporting presidential candidates are fake,” Shakira said. “I do not support any candidate, nor have I authorized the use of my image in any campaign.”
Shakira Shuts Down ‘Fake’ Campaign Images Supporting Colombia Presidential Candidates
“I do not support any candidate, nor have I authorized the use of my image in any campaign,” the singer said
Shakira affirms she does “not support any candidate” running for the presidency in Colombia — even the ones whose campaign has been bolster by the use of her image. Recently, fan accounts and other social media users shared a promotional image depicting the artist alongside candidates Iván Cepeda and Aida Quilcué.
“The images circulating of me supporting presidential candidates are fake,” the singer shared in a statement, according to Billboard magazine. “I do not support any candidate, nor have I authorized the use of my image in any campaign.”
The images are the latest attempt to link Shakira to Cepeda, in particular. Earlier this year, unfounded reports claimed the musician and candidate are distantly related. Shakira has not issued any public statements that would sway her Colombian fans in either direction when it comes to casting their vote. “My commitment is to Colombia, to its democracy and to the right of every Colombian to choose freely,” she said. “My wish is for these elections to proceed transparently and in a peaceful environment for all Colombians.”
