Shakira expressed her gratitude to her sons for providing emotional support during a challenging year. At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Shakira brought her two boys, Milan and Sasha, and dedicated her Vanguard Award to them. She acknowledged their role in helping her recover from her devastating split with their father, Gerard Pique, and continue her career.
During her speech, Shakira thanked her parents and expressed appreciation for her children, Milan and Sasha, who were in attendance. She credited them with providing encouragement and making her feel capable of overcoming any obstacle. She also extended her gratitude to her loyal fans, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
Shakira and Gerard Pique ended their 11-year relationship in June 2022. They later agreed on a custody arrangement that allowed Shakira to relocate with her sons from Barcelona, Spain, to the United States. In an interview with Elle magazine, Shakira acknowledged the tremendous difficulties she has faced, emphasizing the unique challenges of navigating a public separation.
The singer acknowledged her ongoing struggles and the impact they have had on her and her children. She admitted that shielding her sons from the fallout of the split has proved challenging, as they inevitably encounter information either through friends or online platforms that affects them negatively. Nevertheless, Shakira remains committed to protecting her children as her main priority in life.