Shakira Suggests Ryan Gosling’s Ken “[Robbed] Men of Their Possibility to Be Men”

Greta Gerwig’s commentary on the patriarchy in Barbie doesn’t fit with Shakira’s ideal of feminism balanced with traditional male roles.

In a new interview, Shakira told Allure that she agreed “to a certain extent” with her sons’ reaction to the movie as “emasculating,” explaining that she wants her two boys to “feel powerful too [while] respecting women.”

The singer continued, “I like pop culture when it attempts to empower women without robbing men of their possibility to be men, to also protect and provide. I believe in giving women all the tools and the trust that we can do it all without losing our essence, without losing our femininity.”

She added, “I think that men have a purpose in society and women have another purpose as well. We complement each other, and that complement should not be lost. Why not share the load with people who deserve to carry it, who have a duty to carry it as well?”

Shakira’s reaction to Barbie and its portrayal of Ken is at odds with the general consensus. Not only did the film break box office records, but Ryan Gosling’s deep commitment to Gerwig’s vision was recognized with an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His surprise hit, “I’m Just Ken,” also received a nod for Best Original Song.

However, Gerwig and star Margot Robbie were snubbed for their individual contributions to the movie.

Shakira’s interview with Allure was to promote her new album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, which dropped on March 22nd.