AceShowbiz - Shakira faces backlash after posting a cover art for her next single. Some Internet users apparently take issue with the picture, which sees the Columbian singer as a mermaid, as they accuse the "Hips Don't Lie" singer of trying to "steal spotlight" from Halle Bailey.

On Thursday, June 15, Shakira appeared to tease her upcoming song with a new cover art in a Twitter post. In the picture, a woman dressing up as a mermaid showed her back as she sat on the rocks by the ocean. "You want thingamabobs? I got twenty…," so the singer wrote in the caption.

Internet users, however, thought that Shakira chose the mermaid concept in order to ride the enthusiasm for "The Little Mermaid (2023)" which stars Halle as Ariel. "Always stealing the spotlight from black women… these hispanics smh!!!" one hater commented. Another person said, "Not shakira wishing she could be apart of Halle's world znxbxjbjsq."

Upon catching wind of the backlash, some Shakira fans immediately jumped into her defense. "Women dresses up as a mermaid and somehow that's stealing a spotlight from Halle Bailey," one person sarcastically noted.

"Someone tell Americans that ALL girls can be mermaids! This is not a shade to Halle whatsoever," another fan pointed out. "Shakira literally tweeted some 'Part of Your World' lyrics and I'm sure she's taking her kids to watch The Little Mermaid. Gringos ALWAYS find a way to make everything about themselves."

Another supporter urged, "They need to leave shakira alone period! She doesn't bother anyone but her ex mother in law." Someone else wrote, "ITS NOT THAT SERIOUS YALL MAKING BLACK WOMEN LOOK EXTREMELY INSECURE," with another commenter saying, "I love Halle but Yal gotta stop acting like she's the original mermaid."

That aside, Shakira is said to be in the early stages of dating with Lewis Hamilton. Having been spotted hanging out together several times in the past month, the rumored couple allegedly "are spending time together and in the 'getting to know you' stage. It's fun and flirty."