Shakira cancels Washington DC concert citing production issues

Shakira has cancelled her upcoming concert in Washington DC after “complications” with her previous show in Boston – an event that was also called off.

The Colombian pop star had been due to perform on Saturday as part of WorldPride, one of the largest LGBTQ+ festivals in the world.

In a statement released by the baseball stadium where the performance was set to take place, Nationals Park said “complications with the previous show in Boston” meant “Shakira’s full tour production cannot be transported to Washington, D.C” in time.

The Wherever, Whenever singer said she was “devastated” that the shows in Boston and Washington DC “were just not possible this time”.

“Because of the unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances that affected me and other artists in Boston, my full tour production is not able to be moved to Washington, DC in time for my scheduled performance on Saturday,” said Shakira, 48.

“I have been counting the days, excited to be reunited with my fans in both Washington and Boston”, she added.

“I promise that I will do everything in my power to be with you as soon I can.”

Nationals Park said that “despite every effort”, it was not possible for the concert to take place as planned. The venue promised automatic refunds for ticketholders.

The previous performance in Boston’s Fenway Park stadium was cancelled shortly before Shakira was due to take to the stage on 29 May, and performances by country singers Jason Aldean and Brooks & Dunn on 30 May were also cancelled.

According to the BBC’s US partner CBS News, the Boston gigs were called off because of a safety issue with the stage.

Entertainment company Live Nation said “structural elements were identified as not being up to standard and the issues were discovered during a routine pre-show check.

Responding to the cancellation of the Washington DC show on social media, several fans said they had travelled to the city specifically to catch the performance.

“Flew in from LA for this. I’m experiencing a second cancellation of this tour,” one user wrote, adding: “Rather disappointing.”

Meanwhile, several users expressed their support for the singer. “She doesn’t deserve this horrible situation,” wrote one.

Shakira is currently performing in stadiums across north America as part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, in support of her 12th studio album.

She is due to perform in Atlanta on Monday, 2 June.