Shakira Opens Up About Heartbreak and Family Turmoil During Father's ICU Stay: A Tale of Betrayal and Broken Home

Shakira and Gerad Pique James Veysey/Shutterstock; Courtesy of Gerad Pique/Instagram

Facing her split from Gerard Piqué, Shakira encountered various personal difficulties, one of which involved a family health crisis. In a recent interview, the 46-year-old singer candidly expressed feeling "betrayed" by rumors of Piqué's infidelity while simultaneously handling her father, William Mebarak Chadid's hospitalization.

“My father went to Barcelona to comfort me after I experienced overwhelming sadness due to my separation,” she shared with People en Español on Monday, June 26. “While he was attending my son Milan’s first communion, he suffered a serious injury in an accident. Everything happened simultaneously. My personal life was falling apart. I discovered through the media that I had been betrayed, while my father was in the intensive care unit.”

Shakira, who has two sons, Milan (9) and Sasha (7), with Piqué, believed she wouldn't survive these challenges. "The man who I've loved the most in my life, my father, was leaving me at a time when I needed him the most. I couldn't confide in him or seek advice from my closest friend," she described her father's recovery process as "extremely difficult and slow."

The performer of "Hips Don't Lie" commended her father's ability to persevere despite his health issues. She expressed gratitude for his resilience in overcoming COVID, two accidents, pneumonia, and five surgeries all within six months at the age of 91. She credited her mother for her unwavering support during this time. As she concluded, she hoped that her parents would serve as role models for her children, teaching them about love, patience, dedication, and a zest for life.

Last year, Shakira's personal life became the topic of news when she confirmed her breakup from the retired soccer player. Although they had been together for over a decade and started dating in 2011, the former couple had previously addressed their decision to not get married.

In a January 2020 interview with 60 Minutes, Shakira candidly expressed her fear of marriage, saying, "To be honest, the idea of marriage frightens me. I don't want him to view me solely as a wife. I want him to see me as a lover, a girlfriend. I want to keep him captivated and believe that anything is possible based on our actions."

In June 2022, it was revealed that the renowned artist known as "She Wolf" discovered her partner engaging in an extramarital affair. Though the couple chose not to directly respond to the allegations, they did announce their separation later that month.

In a joint statement, Shakira and Piqué expressed their regret, stating, "We sadly confirm our decision to separate. Our children's happiness is paramount to us, and we kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this time. Thank you."

Piqué has since moved on with Clara Chia Marti. In September 2022, just one month after her ex was spotted kissing the model, Shakira publicly announced that her main focus now is on her children.

"It has been a challenging time, not only for me but also for my kids," she shared with Elle during that period. "It has been incredibly difficult... I have tried my best to shield my children from this situation. Protecting them is my top priority in life. However, they often hear things from their friends at school or come across unpleasant news online, and it greatly affects them, you know?"