Karol G apologizes after new song ’57+’ is accused of sexualizing minors

Karol G’s new single “57+” is said to be an anthem for Colombia. Instead, it has become a magnet for controversy. The singer has apologized for the lyrics of the reggaeton song, which is accused by many of sexualizing minors.

“57+” is a posse cut featuring some of Karol G’s Colombian co-stars, including J Balvin, Feid, Maluma, Ryan Castro, Blessd, Ovy On The Drums and DFZM. Upon its release Thursday, some listeners took issue with lyrics like these, translated here into English: “A mamacita since 14/ When she walks into the club you can feel her energy/ Baby, I’m taking these pictures for you/ There’s a lot to it the hand down, the outfit barely holding it. If Billboard points out, Rolling Stone in Spanish published an article titled “The Disaster Of +’57′”, while the Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar issued a statement declaring that the song “reinforces the sexualization of children in our country” and “does not contribute to our fight against commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.”

In her Instagram Story, Karol wrote the following, translated into English:

As artists we are exposed to public opinion and to the individual interpretations of people who like us and people who disagree about what we do. I feel a lot of frustration about the misinformation that has been given, about the false messages I have supposedly posted and deleted from Twitter, an account I have not used in over six months. In this case, unfortunately, the lyrics of a song with which I wanted to celebrate the union between artists and make my people shine… were taken out of context. None of the things said in the song are in the direction they are given, nor are they said from that perspective, but I listen, I take responsibility, and I realize I still have a lot to learn. I feel deeply affected and apologize from the bottom of my heart.

For what it’s worth, Feid and Maluma sang the line about the 14-year-old, not about Karol G. Karol does sing lyrics like “She looks innocent, but those eyes lie” and “Suck on a lollipop, hottie has it realm. ‘ which might include several subsequent lyrics about the attractiveness of a 14 year old.