Jimmy Butler has clarified that he and Shakira are indeed “friends.” During an interview, he emphasized that simply spending time together doesn’t equate to a romantic relationship.

Butler has remained tight-lipped about his connection with Shakira, opting to describe her as “an incredible human being and an incredible talent” in a recent Rolling Stones interview. He debunked any dating rumors by emphasizing that their friendship and Shakira’s Miami residence, where her sons with ex Gerard Pique are passionate basketball fans, shouldn’t be misinterpreted.

“Just because people hang out doesn’t mean anybody’s dating. But it gives everybody something to talk about, so y’all take it and y’all run with it. She’s very, very cool and that’s all I got!” Butler stated.

Speculation about a possible romance had emerged earlier, with reports suggesting they were “growing closer.” According to a source cited by Us Weekly, Jimmy and Shakira were deepening their connection, making each other smile, and getting to know each other on a deeper level.

Their potential romance initially stirred when Shakira shared a video cheering for Butler’s Miami Heat during a playoff game against the Boston Celtics in May, which the Heat won 128-102. In a reciprocal gesture, Butler “liked” one of her Instagram videos featuring an acoustic performance.

Before any romantic speculations surfaced, Shakira had been publicly addressing her former partner Gerard Pique and his new girlfriend. In her latest video, “El Jefe,” she featured Pique’s former nanny, Lily Melgar, who had reportedly been dismissed without compensation after revealing Pique’s infidelity to Shakira. While the song tackles the exploitation of the working class, the video ends with Melgar looking into the camera as Shakira mentions her name.