Shakira spoke for the first time this Monday about the situation of her father, William Mebarak, 95, whose health condition is causing deep concern among his family. The Colombian singer shared a message on her Instagram stories and her X profile during the early hours to express her gratitude for the support received and to confirm that she is going through very difficult days.
"Thank you all for your kind messages during this difficult week. My family and I are deeply grateful," wrote the artist. It was her first public statement since the delicate situation of her parent became known.
The message arrives six days after the program Al rojo vivo, from Telemundo, reported that Mebarak might be hospitalized in a clinic in Barranquilla and that Shakira had urgently traveled to Colombia to be with him.
However, the Colombian broadcaster La FM denied that version. "This is a private matter concerning the family. He is not hospitalized; he is at home with his family. The only thing I can tell you is that William is at home receiving his usual treatments regarding his health situation," sources close to the family told the broadcaster.
Shakira did not clarify in her message whether her father is hospitalized or not, but when referring to a "difficult week," she implicitly confirmed that the situation is complicated.
Concerns about Mebarak's health are not new. In fact, the artist herself had already addressed the issue publicly on October 12, during the closing concert of her residency in Madrid. "I've been through difficult moments this month due to my father's health and because I've had to, well, deal with personal situations that you already know about," she confessed to the audience.
William Mebarak has experienced several serious health issues in recent years. In 2022, he suffered a dramatic fall that raised all the alarms about his physical condition. In 2023, he had a cerebral valve placed to treat the hydrocephalus he was suffering from. A year later, he overcame pneumonia, and in May 2026, he experienced an ischemia that required him to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, from which he managed to recover.
In each of those moments, Shakira has been by his side. The artist dedicated some heartfelt words to him on the occasion of his 90th birthday: "Dear Dad, you have guided my steps and illuminated my path... You are my inspiration, my ally, and my everything. My best friend. I love you with all my being."
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