Why Shakira and Her Sons Thought Barbie Was “Emasculating”

Shakira doesn't think life in plastic is so fantastic. 

In fact, the "Punteria" singer—who shares sons Milan, 11, and Sasha, 9, with ex Gerard Piqué—revealed that she understood why her kids "absolutely hated" how men were portrayed in the Barbie movie. 

"They felt that it was emasculating," Shakira told Allure magazine in an interview published April 1. "And I agree, to a certain extent."

Shakira went on to explain that she'd rather her sons "feel powerful" while still "respecting women." And in her opinion, the 2023 blockbuster hit fell short in that regard.

"I like pop culture when it attempts to empower women without robbing men of their possibility to be men, to also protect and provide," the 47-year-old continued. "I believe in giving women all the tools and the trust that we can do it all without losing our essence, without losing our femininity."

She noted that "men have a purpose in society and women have another purpose as well," before concluding, "We complement each other, and that complement should not be lost."

And an unconventional take on Barbie isn't the only thing Shakira got candid about. After all, the "Hips Don't Lie" artist—who announced her split from Gerard in 2022 after eleven years together—also shared how making her latest album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, helped her turn the difficult emotions surrounding her breakup from the former soccer player into something good. 

"Making this music has shown me that my pain can be transformed into creativity," she said. "The songs are full of anecdotes and some very intense emotions I have experienced in these two years."

Adding that the journey allowed her to be "reborn as a woman," Shakira continued, "I have rebuilt myself in the ways I believe are appropriate. No one tells me how to cry or when to cry, no one tells me how to raise my children, no one tells me how I become a better version of myself. I decide that."

Keep reading to relive more moments between Shakira, Gerard and their two kids. 

Family vacation! Shakira shared snapshots of her and her children visiting Disney World in Florida in January 2022.

The mother-son duo wore their Mickey Mouse ears while enjoying a day at the amusement park.

"Watching the @miamiheat win while having a hugs and kisses session," the artist captioned a December 2021 Instagram post, "(sweeter than a pound of cotton candy!)"

Shakira posted a video of herself and her "new dancers" brushing up on their choreography to TikTok in August 2021.

Shakira spent time with her boys after Christmas and couldn't help but snuggle up with all of them.

Gerard Piqué had a boys' day with his sons Milan and Sasha in October 2018.

These two are best friends and it's too cute.

Sasha and Milan looked like little rockers as they watched their mom in concert in summer of 2018.

The family of four rang in the new year together in a snowy location in 2017.

After Sasha got sick in 2016, Shakira shared this snap to show how happy and healthy he was.

Happy baby, happy father.

The "Whenever, Wherever" singer loves taking her boys with her on her travels...even all the way to Japan!

"Daddy-Sasha time!" Piqué captioned this adorable selfie in December 2015.

In October 2015, the family dressed up as the iconic Italian mouse character Topo Gigio for Halloween.

Lovey, lovey.

Milan and Sasha brought their dad good luck during a Spanish league football match.

The retired soccer star snuggled up to his two boys in May 2015 and there is almost too much cuteness in this photo to handle. 

The family members enjoyed a day of fun at the farm in 2014.

Shakira and her now-ex took their son Milan on a trip in 2014 before they expanded their family.

The Colombian singer shared a sweet smooch with her oldest son before getting ready for baby number two.

We can't get over this photo of Shakira and Milan. It's so stinking cute.

In 2013, Milan dressed up as a police man for Halloween and it was adorable.

Summertime in the French countryside sounds wonderful don't you think? We have a feeling Shakira and her family loved every second they were there.

In July 2013, the athlete spent quality time with his first born.

Milan has the giggles thanks to his dad's tickles.

When Shakira was a coach on The Voice, she made sure to bring her son along for the ride.

Gerard looked totally at ease as he held his son back in April 2013.

Baby Milan looked so peaceful in this family photo at his first soccer game.