Shakira defends her song against plagiarism in Spanish court

Published On: March 27, 2019 07:00 PM NPT By: Associated Press

Colombian singers Shakira, right, and Carlos Vives, background, arrive at court in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, March 27, 2019. Shakira and Vives have previously rejected allegations made by a Cuban-born singer and producer that they had plagiarized his work in their award-winning music hit "La Bicicleta". (AP Photo)

MADRID, March 27: Colombian singers Shakira and Carlos Vives have appeared in a Madrid court to answer allegations by a Cuban-born singer and producer that they plagiarized his work in their award-winning hit “La Bicicleta”.

Shakira smiled as she entered the court in downtown Madrid on Wednesday. She didn’t answer reporters’ questions.

Shakira and Vives have previously rejected the allegations by Livan Rafael Castellanos that “La Bicicleta” — which means “The Bicycle” in English — contains lyrics, rhythm and melody similar to those of his 1997 song, “Yo te quiero tanto.”

“La Bicicleta” won two of the three biggest Grammy Latino awards for 2016, including song and record of the year.