We have our feminism hat on today, since we heard that Shakira recently admitted that boyfriend Gerard Pique won’t let her film music videos with men. Shakira told Billboard “He’s very territorial, and since he no longer lets me do videos with men, well, I have to do them with women”. We’re sure that Shakira’s latest news that she is only allowed to film videos with other women has been received well by hoards of rejoicing men who have absolutely no problem with this, but it all sounds a little stone age to us.

shakira gerard piqueShakira's boyfriend won't let her film videos with other men

Shakira has been a successful recording artist since the early 1990s and in 2002 was catapulted onto the global music scene with her English-language version of “Wherever, Whenever”. She immediately became a sex symbol (it might have been something to do with the lyric “Lucky that my breasts are small and humble, So you don’t confused them with mountains” and all of the seductive hip shaking in tight leather trousers) and has since been confirmed as one of the world’s sexiest women.  Along with being a talented singer and songwriter, her sex appeal is sort of one of her selling points as a pop star, and she’s never been shy about cashing in on this.

Not just a pretty face (and an incredible bottom) Shakira has been heavily involved in her charity work since 1997 and is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, as well as being honoured by the UN for her work aiding children and young people. To put it bluntly, Shakira is not a stay at home wife. She is a powerful, hard working and successful woman, an icon for young feminists.

More: Shakira wants "8 or 9 kids"

Her recent admission that Gerard Pique has banned her from performing with men because he is “territorial” sounds like a throwback to more oppressive times.  Is he diminishing her power by restricting it because her sex appeal emasculates him? Since he has entered her life does he expect Shakira to alter her successful career to accodomate for his needs?

Trust is an important part of any relationship, if Pique feels threatened by Shakira performing with other men, the problem is not with her, it lies with him. Shakira has built a career on singing and sex appeal, and by putting boundaries on her work Pique is practically beating his chest and announcing “I man, you woman”.  He may as well stamp “GERARD PIQUE” on her forehead.

shakira sexyIn the past Shakira has been known for her sexy performances

All of this said, Shakira herself doesn’t mind her boyfriend’s restrictions, adding “I like [it], by the way. I like that he protects his turf and values me”. Even more alarm bells are ringing that she doesn't mind referring to herself as "his turf". Sigh.

One small step for man, ten huge steps back for feminism.