Shakira criticizes ‘Barbie’ for being ‘emasculating’, says she likes pop culture when it 'empowers women'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Shakira, the Grammy-winning singer, recently expressed her disapproval of last year’s hit film 'Barbie.'

In an interview with Allure magazine, she revealed that her sons were not fans of the movie, describing it as ‘emasculating.’ She agreed with their sentiment to a certain extent.

Shakira advocates for gender complementarity

She believes in empowering women with all the "tools and trust" they need to succeed without losing their essence or femininity.

She also emphasized that men and women each have a unique purpose in society and they "complement each other." This complementarity, she stressed, "should not be lost."

"I like pop culture when it attempts to empower women without robbing men of their possibility to be men, to also protect and provide," Shakira said.

“My sons absolutely hated it,” she said, adding, "They felt that it was emasculating. And I agree, to a certain extent."

She said, “I’m raising two boys. I want ’em to feel powerful too [while] respecting women."

Despite her belief in gender complementarity, Shakira acknowledged the existence of patriarchy.

“Eve was a story created by misogynists to put women in the little box where we have to remain silent, not speak our minds, and not be a catalyst for change. To keep things as they are,” she said.

Shakira’s Hollywood role model

When asked about her Hollywood role model, Shakira mentioned 'Wonder Woman.'

“My idol was 'Wonder Woman.' I think I was drawn to her because she had black hair like mine."

She also liked her "because she was a symbol of empowerment and strength in a decade where women were not playing the most important roles.”

Internet lauds Shakira for her views but receives criticism too

Social media came both in support of Shakira and also criticized her. "Shakira couldn’t have said it any better," wrote one on X. "She is 100% correct," added another.

"I would be lying if I said I’m not surprised to hear this from Shakira. Outstanding lady," added one more. One said, "It’s a shame women like this will be extinct soon."

"ThankYou Shakira !! Tell them!," wrote another, "Barbie pushes a non-truth that life is about individualism. It’s not. It’s a team sport, and your mate is the most important member of your team," wrote another. 

"That's what the movie was about. The Kens had a greater purpose than being Barbie's companions," added another. "This would have been a completely middle-of-the-road statement in 2010."

"Can't say that Shakira, women aren't strong without denigrating men in modern Hollywood, didn't you know," one more added. "This is the most sensible post I’ve read in years." 

Some of those who were critical of Shakira wrote, "@shakira-damn. Not you releasing an album of "female empowerment" and then backtracking. Girl, this wasn't it."

"Ya know, the woman you really like not liking you back isn't emasculating, it's just life," posted another. Some anticipated Shakira might get cancelled for the tweet as one among many posted, "Shakira cancellation in 3 … 2 … 1 …"

"Not very feminist of Shakira tbh," wrote one more, another added, "Though I am not a fan of "Barbie", I feel Shakira's criticism is wrong. She didn't understand the movie properly."

One joked by writing, "Oh Barbie when you talk like that, you make a woman go mad," while majority of critics were of the view that "Shaki did not get the movie"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.