The eleven year relationship to ex-boyfriend and former agent Antonio de la Rúa could cost Shakira $250 million, according to Mexican newspaper El Universal.
The son of former Argentine President Fernando de la Rúa argues that he left his career as a publicist while he was dating the star, eventually becoming her business manager and is thus entitled to monetary compensation for this work. De la Rúa is seeking 18 percent of the profits from her deal with Live Nation, the world’s largest entertainment company, a contract reported to be worth approximately $100 million. Some of the ex-couple’s properties, including an estate in Uruguay and a New York apartment, are also being placed on the table by de la Rúa.
The couple separated in August 2010 but didn’t go public with the split until last January, when the 35 year-old Colombian artist posted a letter on her blog citing the decision as “mutual.”
“We view this period of separation as temporary and as a time of individual growth as we continue to be partners in our business and professional lives,” Shakira wrote in the letter. “Antonio continues to oversee and conduct my business and career interests as he has always done.”
The “temporary” separation from de la Rua became permanent once the singer was spotted with Spanish soccer star Gerard Piqué months later -- who she met while shooting her World Cup “Waka Waka” music video in the Spring of 2010. And while Shakira first attempted to keep the relationship under wraps, the singer finally tweeted a picture of her and her 25 year-old “ sun” last March.
The recent news that the couple is expecting has been fodder for much speculation as the star herself has not confirmed it. However, the singer’s recent legal problems have been confirmed. Earlier this month the star sued two former employees for defamation and extortion.
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