SHAKIRA and her footballer ex Gerard Pique were reportedly in an "open relationship" before the singer accused him of cheating.
The news broke in June 2022 that the superstar couple would be splitting up following rumours of the Barcelona ace's alleged infidelity, which reportedly left him stunned.
The pair were together for 12 years before their bombshell break up last JuneCredit: GettyPique was allegedly shocked by Shakira's statements to the press and the rumours of infidelity after the pair reportedly had an 'open relationship'Credit: SplashThe Colombian songstress now lives in Miami with their two sons after wanting a fresh startCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Hips Don't Lie singer announced her separation from former the Barcelona star Pique a year ago amid rumours he had been caught playing away.
The former Barcelona defender then revealed he was dating 24-year-old Clara Chia Marti not long after the high-profile separation, fuelling further rumours of a possible affair.
However, the latest claim in their scandal-filled break up is that Pique was "surprised" by Shakira's public announcement of their split and that there was "no infidelity on his part".
Police in Barcelona investigating sexual assault allegedly involving Dani AlvesSpanish TV journalist José Antonio Avilés reported that Shakira and Pique had been in a "open relationship" for three years before their breakup.
The newest claims reportedly came from sources inside the former footballer's close-circle.
The journalist called this non-exclusive pact "the key moment in their relationship".
"There is an agreement where 'you do what you want and I do what I want'. But in the face of the media we are still a couple'," Avilés said according to El Nacional de Catalunya.
Discussing Shakira's statement to the press about their split, Avilés said: "The footballer's entourage was surprised by Shakira's statement.
"He has been annoyed to find out from the press".
Another journalist Pilar Vidal confirmed these claims, stating: "Pique does not want speculation that the reason for the breakup was infidelity.
"He was surprised by the statement, because the one who takes the initiative is her."
However, Shakira tells a different story and recently revealed her heartbreak after learning of Pique's alleged "betrayal" while her dad was fighting for his life in hospital.
She recalled how she was left devastated by the double blow as she couldn't turn to her beloved father William Mebarak "for the advice she needed so much."
Frenkie de Jong 'keen on Man Utd transfer' following improved form under Ten HagShakira told People en Español that she was first enlightened to her ex's alleged infidelity shortly after William was "gravely injured."
"Everything happened at once. My home was falling apart," she said.
"I was finding out through the press that I had been betrayed while my dad was in the ICU."
The Colombian singer reportedly worked out Pique was cheating after finding an empty jam jar in their fridge - a condiment she and her children do not eat.
The cryptic clue is said to have brought her to the conclusion that Pique had evidently had a secret guest over without her knowledge.
Other reports claimed she had recruited a team of private detectives to snoop on the footie ace in the hopes of confirming her suspicions.
In true Shakira-style, she unleashed her pent-up emotions towards Pique in a smash hit song referencing the cheating rumours.
Her fiery diss track "Sessions" was laden with brutal barbs towards her former partner of 12 years and his new girlfriend Clara Chia Marti.
Shakira compared his new romance to swapping "a Ferrari for a [Renault] Twingo" and joked that she was clearly "too big" for him.
In her latest interview, she revealed that she was "very excited" to wow the world again with her new music.
The A-lister said penning songs has helped her "untangle" the web of emotions she has been overcome by over the last year.
MIAMI MOVE
Shakira relocated in April to Miami in a bombshell move with her two sons, Milan, 10, and Sasha, 8, after being said to be desperate for a clean break.
Her reported new beau Lewis Hamilton is also believed to have lifted her spirits following her public break up from Pique.
Rumours about the stars have been hotting up after a series of photos of the pair enjoying cosy outings have emerged.
It has even been claimed the duo are due to jet off for a "romantic holiday" in the Caribbean.
It comes after more speculation claiming Hamilton and Shakira are in a "love triangle", which includes Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise.
That could potentially put Sir Lewis and Cruise's 10-year bromance in jeopardy.
Shakira appeared in high spirits when she was seen mingling with the Mission Impossible star, 60, at the Miami Grand Prix in May.
Spanish media reported he was "absolutely mesmerised" by the mum-of-two and had even told a close circle of friends that he felt a connection with her.
But Shakira reportedly shot down his advances and is believed to be taking her time before seriously committing to another relationship.
Last week, the songstress transformed into a mermaid in shackles in her latest music video, which appears to have hidden messages towards her ex.
Moments before the release of her new single Copa Vacia, Shakira took to Instagram to explain the song has a symbolic meaning for her.
The singer said that the mermaid represents her because she is on "the journey to becoming one with herself again."
Shakira noted that the mermaid "sacrifices a lot for love, ending up in the rubbish amongst rats.
"Thankfully she finds herself in her natural habitat."
Pique and Shakira reportedly were in an 'open relationship' before their scandal-filled split last yearCredit: ReutersShakira pictured in Barcelona airport in June after dropping her sons off with Pique for the summer holidaysCredit: SplashShakira's new music video filled with alleged references to her ex PiqueCredit: Shakira/Instagram