Shakira shuts down fake campaign images linking her to Colombia presidential candidates

Shakira fake campaign images spread across Colombian politics

Shakira fake campaign images have been circulating in Colombia, attaching the singer's likeness to presidential candidates without her consent. According to Rolling Stone, Shakira issued a clear public statement distancing herself from all of them: "I do not support any candidate, nor have I authorized the use of my image in any campaign."

The denial is direct and leaves little room for interpretation. The images, which implied the Barranquilla-born artist was backing specific political figures, spread on social media ahead of the Colombian presidential race.

Not the first time a celebrity's face is weaponized in politics

The tactic is hardly new. Political operatives in multiple countries have borrowed the faces of musicians, athletes, and actors to manufacture a sense of popular legitimacy, betting that most people will not bother to verify the endorsement. For an artist with Shakira's visibility in Latin music, the damage to her public image if left uncorrected could be significant.

Shakira has historically kept her political statements measured, which makes the forcefulness of this denial notable. She did not name specific candidates or campaigns, keeping the statement broad and non-partisan.

What this means for her public profile

For fans following Shakira's career, the statement is a reminder that the artist maintains strict control over how her image is used commercially and politically. Whether Colombian authorities or social platforms take action against the accounts spreading the fake materials remains to be seen.