Shakira Photographed With Mexican Actor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Fueling Romance Speculation

Colombian singer Shakira was recently spotted with Mexican actor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo outside the Sunset Tower Hotel in Los Angeles, prompting fans to speculate about a possible romantic connection. The pair was photographed waiting for their car after what appeared to be a dinner date, with both wearing coordinated black outfits. Shakira wore a black spaghetti-strap top tucked into jeans paired with high-heeled boots, while Garcia-Rulfo wore a black T-shirt under a loose shirt with trousers. In the images, the two appeared to be enjoying a friendly conversation, with Garcia-Rulfo seemingly telling jokes while Shakira smiled.

The photographs circulated widely on social media, with fans and online commenters questioning whether the outing signaled "new love on the horizon" for the 49-year-old singer. Garcia-Rulfo reportedly drove the car as they left the venue together, with Shakira in the passenger seat.

However, Shakira's recent comments about her dating life suggest otherwise. In a recent cover story interview with PEOPLE magazine, the mother of two stated that she is focused on raising her children. "I'm just thinking of raising my kids. I don't see that for now. Maybe when they're older," she said. Shakira shares two sons, Milan (13) and Sasha (11), with her ex-partner Gerard Piqué, the former Barcelona football player. The singer's remarks indicate that romance is not currently a priority in her life.