Shakira’s medical record leak sparks Peru investigation
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Colombian singer Shakira performing at the worldwide launch of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour in Brazil on Feb 11.
PHOTO: AFP
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LIMA – Peruvian authorities threatened sanctions and hefty fines on Feb 18 as they investigated how pop star Shakira’s medical records were leaked following her treatment at a Lima clinic.
The 48-year-old four-time Grammy-winning Colombian singer-songwriter was taken to the emergency room on Feb 15 for an abdominal condition, forcing her to scrap a blockbuster show on Feb 16.
Shortly after her brief hospitalisation, her medical report appeared on social media, sparking widespread outrage among fans and an official investigation.
A spokeswoman for Peru’s national health service watchdog told AFP on Feb 18 that investigations were well under way and the clinic could face a fine of up to US$430,000 (S$577,000).
“Yesterday (Feb 17), we were at the clinic, we met with the officials, they have given their explanation, which is confidential,” said spokeswoman Ruby Cubas.
The investigation is expected to last 25 days.
The Delgado clinic, where Shakira was treated, said it was also investigating what it called a “serious ethical breach of our code of conduct and regulations governing personal data processing”.
“We have already identified and started the sanctioning process against those proven responsible,” it said in a statement.
Shakira is on her first world tour in seven years. She is set to perform nearly 50 dates in Latin America by the end of June, followed by more concerts in the United States and Canada.
She performed in Lima on the night of Feb 17, offering “eternal thanks” to her “beautiful Peruvian audience. So much love and care you’ve given me”.
Titled Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women Don’t Cry Anymore), the tour kicked off in Rio de Janeiro just a few days after she received a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album.
The singer dedicated the award to migrants in the US facing deportation under President Donald Trump.
With more than 90 million records sold worldwide and an array of awards, Shakira is one of the most popular Latin artistes of all time. AFP
