Live Nation have pulled jewellery merchandise from Shakiras world tour over concerns that it was promoting Nazi imagery.
The necklace Live Nation designed for Shakiras “El Dorado World Tour” was based on Pre-Columbian imagery. However some fans have expressed concern that the design bears an unintentional resemblance to Neo-Nazi imagery, Live Nation said in a statement.
We sincerely apologize for this inadvertent similarity and have permanently pulled the item from the tour collection.
The necklace Live Nation designed for Shakiras “El Dorado World Tour” was based on Pre-Columbian imagery. However… 1/
— Live Nation (@LiveNation) June 21, 2018
some fans have expressed concern that the design bears an unintentional resemblance to Neo-Nazi imagery. We sincerely apologize for this inadvertent similarity and have permanently pulled the item from the tour collection. 2/
— Live Nation (@LiveNation) June 21, 2018
The necklace featured a similar pattern to the black sun or sonnenrad, which was originally a symbol of esoteric and occult significance but was adopted by the Nazis in the early 20th century and is now used by various Neo-Nazi, alt-right or other modern political groups.
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However many fans were also quick to point out that the design used on Shakiras necklace – which was priced at $9.95 (£7.50) but has since been removed from sale – was more influenced by older sonnenrad imagery which has throughout the centuries also been connected to Old Norse and Celtic cultures.
As pointed out by the anti-defamation league, because sonnenrad imagery is used by many cultures around the world, one should not assume that most sonnenrad-like images necessarily denote racism or white supremacy; rather, they should be analysed carefully in the context in which they appear.
Shakira recently performed in the UK for the first time in eight years, bringing her El Dorado world tour to London on 11 June.
I cant wait to be onstage in London again singing along with all of you, all of your favourites and mine, the 40-year-old said. Its going to be fun! The road to El Dorado starts now!
The last time she performed in the UK was in 2010 on Glastonburys Pyramid stage. El Dorado was released last May and marks Shakiras 11th studio album, which has also received a Grammy nod.
MORE: Shakira Shakira! Singer leaves fans shook over heartbroken tweet
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