Shakira $250M Lawsuit Against Ex-boyfriend Antonia De La Rua: Singer Wants Judge to Dump Lawsuit [VIDEO]
Singer Shakira is asking a New York judge to dump a $250 million law filed by her ex-boyfriend, Antonio de La Rua.
The Voice judge is calling out La Rua, who claimed he is responsible for the "Shakira brand," and responsible for two of her biggest hits - Hips Don't Lie and Waka Waka, The Daily News reported.
In papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Shakira told the judge that she's a self-made woman.
"I was already a well-known and recognized artist, and my international career was established and solid," the 36-year-old said in an affidavit, recalling when she first met La Rua at a Argentina concert back in 2000.
The Colombian singer denied claims that he was her business partner and strategist, and said that La Rua was only hired because she felt sorry for him.
Shakira said although "he lacked experience or knowledge of the music industry," she hired him in 2005. "At his request, I decided to involve (de la Rua) in some matters relating to the business," she said.
The singer also said that La Rua became employed when his father "was forced to resign as president of Argentina at the end of 2001."
La Rua claimed that he did Shakira a favor and indicated that he was her advisor throughout their relationship who has background in law, marketing, brand-building and political campaign management.
He noted that he persuaded her to recording Hips Don't Lie, which she at first hated and set up her $300 million deal with Live Nation in 2008.
Shakira's lawyers said that La Rua doesn't have a case since none of their so-called business or partnership agreements are in writing form.
"We just want to have our day in court and it's apparent that they don't," La Rua's lawyer, Bill Reid said.
