It was labeled the biggest betrayal in celebrity friendships, and now, three years later, Carlos Vives is looking back on one of the most unexpected social media controversies of his career. The Colombian singer, who rarely gets in trouble, has maintained a close friendship with Shakira for decades.

The pair have released songs, performed at festivals, traveled, and even done charity work together for many years. So, when in 2023, after his Instagram account appeared to "like" a photo posted by Gerard Piqué featuring his new partner, Clara Chía, hell broke loose, and Shakira’s fans were unforgiving with Vives.

At the time, the interaction quickly sparked outrage, especially from those who interpreted the gesture as support for Piqué following his highly publicized split from the global superstar. Critics flooded social media, with some even accusing Vives of committing "high treason" against his longtime friend.

Years have passed, and most people have even forgotten about the situation; however, the moment resurfaced during a recent interview with Puerto Rican broadcaster Jorge Pabón, better known as "El Molusco," who reminded the singer about the controversy.

"At one point, a like from your account appeared on a photo of Clara Chía and Piqué, and of course Shakira's fans came after you because of it," Pabón said.

The reminder immediately sent Vives into laughter. "Which one was it? What happened? What happened?" he joked as the host recounted the story.

As Pabón continued explaining how fans reacted to the social media activity, Vives laughed even harder when he was told many people viewed it as an act of betrayal toward Shakira. "No way, no way," the singer replied.

Carlos Vives Defends His Relationship With Shakira

Vives then took a more serious tone, explaining that his connection to both Shakira and Piqué goes back years. "Besides, Shakira, Piqué, the children, we've all spent time together. We've shared moments as families. You don't get involved in that kind of thing," he said, highlighting the complicated position he faced having the exes as mutual friends.

Vives has long been one of Shakira's closest friends in the music industry. The pair famously collaborated on the 2014 hit “La Bicicleta,” and their friendship has remained strong throughout the years, even when they got sued in Spain for alleged plagiarism involving the aforementioned track. The legal battle, which lasted from 2016 to 2019, centered on accusations that the song copied elements from a 1990s tune by Cuban musician Liván Castellanos. In March 2019, both Shakira and Vives appeared in a Madrid court to defend themselves. The case was eventually dismissed, but the experience further cemented their bond.

Carlos Vives' Explanation at the Time

When the controversy exploded in May 2023, Vives insisted the interaction was not intentional. While appearing on the TV show “La Mesa Caliente,” he explained that several people help manage his social media accounts. "Someone who was managing things, reviewing content, I imagine, liked it. They got me into trouble," he said at the time.

He described the situation as an "office accident," suggesting that someone from his team accidentally interacted with the post while carrying out routine account management. Many fans were skeptical, pointing out that Vives could have simply deleted the like immediately. But the singer maintained that he was unaware until the backlash began.

Carlos Vives Now Has a Different Version

But now, during his latest interview, Vives offered a playful new theory about who may have been responsible. "I have one danger in my life, and it's called my wife," he joked, referring to his wife, Claudia Elena Vásquez. "Sometimes she does things and... I think it was her who gave the like. I'm sure my wife, or someone around there, liked it."

While he was able to laugh about the controversy years later, Vives also reflected on the pressures that come with constant scrutiny on social media. "We're exposed to all these things. It's incredible, and it's really unnecessary," he said.

He ended with a simple appeal to fans and internet users: "Take it easy, guys. Life is hard enough already."

The story highlights the intense loyalty of Shakira's fanbase, known as "ShakiFans," who are fiercely protective of the Colombian star. Following her split from Piqué in 2022 after 11 years together, any perceived support for the former footballer or his new partner was met with instant backlash. Vives, who had been a mutual friend, found himself in the crossfire. The incident also underscores the challenges of social media management for celebrities, where a single accidental tap can lead to global headlines.

Carlos Vives, born in Santa Marta, Colombia, in 1961, rose to fame in the 1990s with his fusion of vallenato and pop. He has won multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards and is considered a pioneer of Colombian music on the international stage. His friendship with Shakira began in the early 2000s, and they have collaborated not only on "La Bicicleta" but also on other projects, including the 2016 single "La Bicicleta (Remix)" and a duet for Shakira's 2017 album "El Dorado." Vives has consistently supported Shakira through her personal and professional challenges, including her highly publicized tax evasion cases in Spain.

Gerard Piqué, the former FC Barcelona defender, and Shakira announced their separation in June 2022 after 11 years together. The breakup was marred by reports of infidelity, with Piqué later starting a relationship with Clara Chía, who was 23 at the time. Shakira channeled her heartbreak into her music, releasing hits like "Shakira: BZRP Music Sessions 53" and "TQG" with Karol G, both of which contained pointed references to her ex and his new partner. Her fans rallied behind her, and the "Piqué-Clara Chía" drama became a fixture in entertainment news.

In the midst of this, the accidental like from Vives felt like a betrayal to many. Yet Vives has repeatedly affirmed his loyalty to Shakira. In August 2023, he sent her a positive message following the breakup, saying, "I love you, you know that." Shakira has also spoken highly of Vives, in a 2023 interview stating, "He called me every day during that time. He was my rock." Vives defended her against critics, saying in another interview, "It’s not that she’s hurt for no reason."

The recent interview with El Molusco has reignited interest in the incident, but Vives handled it with humor and humility. He acknowledged that social media can amplify minor events into major scandals, and he urged everyone to remember that public figures are human too. "We all make mistakes," he said. "Sometimes it's just a slip of the finger."

As for his wife, Claudia Elena Vásquez, she is a former model and TV host who married Vives in 2012. She often accompanies him to events and is active on social media, though she rarely comments on business matters. Vives' playful accusation may have been just a joke, but it also serves as a reminder that even the most ordinary actions—like scrolling through Instagram—can have unintended consequences when you’re in the spotlight.

The controversy also sheds light on the dynamics of celebrity friendships in the age of social media. Where a simple like can be misconstrued as a political statement, stars must navigate their personal relationships with extreme care. Vives, who has managed to avoid most scandal during his 30-year career, now understands that nothing is truly private online. He hopes that the next time an accidental like happens, fans will pause before firing off accusations.

With the interview, Vives has officially put the matter to rest, offering a lighthearted explanation that strengthens his bond with Shakira rather than weakening it. The two continue to support each other’s projects, and Vives is currently working on new music that he says will reflect his happiness and gratitude. As for Piqué and Clara Chía, they remain out of the public eye, focusing on their relationship away from the glare of social media.

In the end, Vives’ message is simple: life is already hard—don't make it harder by overanalyzing every like, comment, or share. The internet will keep scrolling, but true friendships endure.

Source: MSN News