Karol G Apologizes Over ‘+57’ Backlash – Here’s What She Said
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Karol G arrives at Selena Gomez's 2nd Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit at Nya Studios on October 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
After heavy criticism over a lyric, Karol G spoke out about her collaboration “+57” today (Nov. 11). The Colombian star wrote her perspective about the song’s message on social media. In addition, feature artists J Balvin and DFZM also posted their responses.
Last week, Karol G teamed up with Colombian stars J Balvin, Maluma, Feid, and more to release their highly-anticipated track “+57,” a mega collaboration celebrating Colombian reggaeton culture. However, what was supposed to be a celebration ended up receiving backlash due to one of its lyrics: “Una mamasita desde los fourteen / Entra a la disco y se le siente el ki / Mami estos shots yo me los doy por ti [A mamacita since she was fourteen / She enters the disco and you can feel el ki / Mamasita, these shots I give them to me for you].”
The line about a 14-year-old mamacita was sung by Feid and Maluma. In response, Rolling Stone En Español wrote that the track “perpetuates the sexualization of minors” in an article called “El desastre de ‘+57’ [The ‘+57’ disaster].”
In her recently posted Instagram story, she opened up her statement by thanking her fans for supporting her and said she’s always looking for ways to involve herself in projects where she can extend her blessings and positively impact the lives of many people.
She also stated that, as artists, they’re exposed to public opinion and their interpretations. “I am very frustrated by the misinformation that has occured, with the false posts that I have supposedly made and deleted from Twitter, an account I haven’t used for more than 6 months. In this case, unfortunately, the lyrics of a song that I wanted to celebrate the union between artists and make my people dance were taken out of context.”
Though never addressing the issue directly, she referenced to the controversy by writing: “None of the things said in the song have the direction it was given, nor was it said from that perspective. But I listen, I take responsibility, and I realize that I still have a lot to learn. I feel very affected, and I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
Other collaborators on the track have also talked about the song. On Nov. 9, J Balvin also shared his thoughts. He reiterated to his fans that the song’s message was about the stars’ union and connection without egos. He also thanked Karol for making the collaboration happen. Earlier today (Nov. 11), he shared Karol’s message.
DFZM also shared an Instagram story today (Nov. 11), sharing a photo with voice note saying that if you don’t like the song, dance to it, don’t listen to it.