Shakira asked the media to respect her and her children after facing a difficult year after her divorce. This comes almost a year after the singer announced her split from the Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique.

In a post on social media, Shakira opened up about the changes in her life and the impact this has had on her children.

The Instagram post, which has garnered over 1 million likes and 43,000 comments, said: “Dear friends, journalists and media.

In this phase of changes in my life, as a public figure, it is understandable that there is a constant curiosity from the press around me and my family.

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However, my children have had a very difficult year, suffering from an incessant “siege” and a relentless pursuit by paparazzi and various media in Barcelona.

As they begin a new phase in their lives, I call on the media – on behalf of my children – to respect their right to privacy.”

Concerned for the safety of her children, the singer asked photographers and journalists not to follow them.

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“I ask you not to follow them at the exit or entrance of the school, wait for them at the door of our house or chase them in their extracurricular activities and their games, as happens every day in Barcelona.

I believe that journalists and photographers are sensitive and can behave in the most humane way possible,” notes the famous singer.

She adds: “With my post I speak not as an artist, but as a mother who wants to protect and care for the psychological and emotional well-being of her children so that they can live a healthy and happy life as every child deserves. Thank you for your understanding and support.”

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The 46-year-old Colombian singer first announced her split from Pique last year. The couple met shortly before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and have been together for 11 years.

Announcing their split in a joint statement through their PR agency, they said: “We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy.”

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