Colombian reggaeton star Karol G issued an apology on Monday after her latest track, “+57,” faced backlash for lyrics some critics say sexualize minors. The controversy surrounding the song, which features fellow artists J Balvin, Maluma, Feid, Ryan Castro, and Blessd, erupted shortly after its release last Thursday.
A particular lyric referring to a “hot mama” aged 14 sparked criticism across social media and from prominent voices, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who addressed his concerns on X. Karol G, a multiple Latin Grammy-winning artist, responded with a statement on her social media, acknowledging her misstep and stating, “I realize that I still have much to learn.”
Colombia’s Institute for Family Welfare also condemned the song, saying it promotes “sexualism at a young age,” highlighting concerns about the impact of such messages on youth. Medellin, Karol G’s hometown, has faced ongoing challenges with child exploitation linked to tourism, adding weight to the criticisms.
The song has since drawn further backlash from media outlets, including Rolling Stone en Español, and Colombian newspapers, fueling a broader conversation about responsibility and representation in the music industry.
