Shakira and Carlos Vives refute copyright allegations

A representative for Colombian superstars Shakira and Carlos Vives has insisted their hit song La Bicicleta is a "completely original work" amid allegations of copyright infringement.

Cuban musician Livam Rafael Castellanos filed a legal complaint against the singers in a court in Spain, where Shakira lives, last week (ends03Mar17), claiming the Hips Don't Lie singer and Vives illegally lifted lyrics and a portion of the chorus' melody from his 1997 track Yo Te Quiero Tanto.

Shakira and Carlos have now issued a joint statement via her publicist, who has denied the accusations.

In a message issued to The Associated Press, the rep writes: "La Bicicleta is a completely original work and they adamantly reject any allegation to the contrary."

The spokesperson reveals the stars have yet to be served with the suit, but it has since been revealed royalty payments for the Latin Grammy-winning 2016 song have been temporarily halted.