Shakira Shares The Surprise Reason She Isn't A Fan Of 'Barbie' Movie

Shakira wouldve liked to see a bit more Kenergy in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie . 

In an interview with Allure published Monday, the Colombian pop singer shared her less-than-glowing take on Greta Gerwigs acclaimed movie, which starred Margot Robbie in the title role.  

My sons absolutely hated it. They felt that it was emasculating, she said, referring to sons Milan, 11, and Sasha, 9, whom she shares with her ex-boyfriend, Gerard Pique. And I agree, to a certain extent.

The three-time Grammy winner said she wanted her sons to feel powerful too [while] respecting women, something she felt Barbie didnt adequately portray. 

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

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. I think that men have a purpose in society and women have another purpose as well. We complement each other, and that complement should not be lost.

Just because a woman can do it all doesnt mean she should? journalist Patricia Alfonso Tortolani asked in response, with Shakira replying, Why not share the load with people who deserve to carry it, who have a duty to carry it as well?

Released in July last year, Barbie debuted to praise from critics and was a tremendous hit, raking in over $1 billion at the box office worldwide. The movie also garnered a total of eight Academy Award nominations, including acting nods for Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera.  

Despite the accolades Barbie received, a number of dissenting voices did emerge. Among those was director Oliver Stone, who criticized Gosling for not focusing on more serious films. 

Ryan Gosling is wasting his time if hes doing that shit for money, Stone told City A.M. , a British publication, in June last year. He shouldnt be a part of this infantilization of Hollywood. Now its all fantasy, fantasy, fantasy, including all the war pictures: fantasy, fantasy.

When Deadline reprinted  some of Stones City A.M. interview in January, the Natural Born Killers director clarified that his remarks  on Barbie were made before hed had a chance to view the movie in its entirety. 

I was able to see Barbie in July and appreciated the film for its originality and its themes, he wrote on X , formerly Twitter. I found the filmmakers approach certainly different than what I expected. I apologize for speaking ignorantly.