Colombian singing sensation Shakira has been caught on camera ringing in the New Year with illegal fireworks, reports Colombian magazine Cromos. The dimunitive popstar was filmed playing with the famous "butterfly sparklers" while standing close to a large lit rocket. The sparklers, along with all other fireworks, are illegal in Colombia unless being handled by professionals.
To make matters worse, the footage sees Shakira surrounded by children as she waves the sparklers dangerously close to their faces, causing a media outcry. The star has been criticised for flying in the face of extensive campaigning in Colombia around firework burn prevention, targeted particularly at young people. Figures indicate that hundreds of people were injured by fireworks this holiday season, over half of them minors.