Shakira shuts down fake political endorsement claims while preparing for historic World Cup halftime show

Shakira moved quickly to shut down a wave of political rumors after fake campaign-style images spread across social media ahead of Colombia’s presidential election. The viral posts falsely suggested the global superstar had endorsed candidate Gustavo Cepeda, forcing the singer to publicly deny any involvement before the claims gained more traction online.The controversy gained attention fast because the edited posts used Shakira’s image alongside slogans aimed at her fan base. Some even referenced names associated with her community, including “Wolfpack” and “La Manada de Lobos.” The posts circulated widely on X before eventually being deleted, but not before fans began questioning whether the singer had entered Colombia’s tense political landscape.Shakira addressed the controversy directly in a statement that quickly spread through entertainment media and fan pages.«“Photos circulating online of me allegedly supporting a presidential candidate are false,”»The singer made her position crystal clear shortly afterward.«“I do not endorse any candidate, nor have I approved the use of my image in any campaign,”»The false campaign images reportedly attempted to connect Shakira with Colombian presidential candidate Gustavo Cepeda. Earlier this year, separate rumors also circulated online claiming the two were somehow distantly related, though no evidence ever supported those claims.What made this latest situation more serious was the timing. Colombia is entering a politically charged election period, and celebrity endorsements often carry enormous influence with younger voters and online audiences. By publicly responding, Shakira appeared determined to stop misinformation from growing further.Beyond rejecting the fake endorsements, Shakira also used the moment to encourage calm and transparency during the election season.«“My commitment is to Colombia, its democracy and the right of every Colombian to freely choose. I want these elections to be transparent and in a peaceful atmosphere for all Colombian citizens,”»Her response earned praise from many fans online, especially those who appreciated that she avoided partisan messaging while still defending democratic values.The situation arrives during an especially busy moment in Shakira’s career. The singer is already generating global attention after being announced as one of the headline performers for the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final. She is expected to appear alongside Madonna and BTS during the July 19 event at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.That massive spotlight may explain why false political endorsements attached to her image spread so quickly online. With Shakira once again dominating headlines worldwide, even misleading social media posts can gain momentum in a matter of hours.