“Thank you for your understanding and support."

Shakira has issued a statement to ask for privacy when it comes to her children and their safety. The singer confirmed her split from Gerard Piqué last June, after 11 years together and Shakira has since relocated from Barcelona to Miami with their two children, Milan and Sasha. Taking to Instagram to ask for privacy following a "very difficult year" for her sons, the mum wrote: "Dear friends, journalists and media, At this moment of changes in my life as a public figure, it is understandable that there is a permanent curiosity from the press around me and my family. “Yet my children, Milan and Sasha have lived a very difficult year, suffering an incessant siege and relentless pursuit by paparazzi and various media in Barcelona. “As they begin a new phase in their lives, I urge the media on behalf of my children to please respect their right to privacy." Shakira continued: “I ask you to refrain from following them to the exit or entrance of the school, wait for them at the door of our house, or chase them to their extracurricular activities, and games as it has happened every day in Barcelona in order to obtain photographs or better ratings. “I trust that journalists and photographers are sensitive to the situation facing Milan and Sasha and can behave in the most humane way possible with them, given that this is the health and physical and emotional integrity of two under 8 and 10 years of just wishing they could go out on the street, and attend school feeling safe and having the peace of mind not being chased or subjected to constant surveillance of cameras. “I extend this petition no longer 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, Shakira.” Shakira and Gerard first started dating in 2011 after meeting on the set of her video for Waka Waka in 2010. The two then split last summer before they signed a custody deal in November ahead of the singer's move.

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