J Balvin apologizes after the music video for his current single “Perra” provoked outrage. It was due to racist and misogynistic elements. The video was out last month. It faced criticism for portraying Black women as dogs. Thereby, including a scene in which the Colombian rapper appears to be holding leashes around the necks of two women.
According to Billboard, Colombian Vice President and Chancellor Marta Luca Ramrez condemned the video as racist and misogynistic in an open letter earlier this month. “In his video, the artist uses images of women and people of Afro-descendants — population groups with special constitutional protection — whom he presents with dog ears,” she wrote. “In addition, while walking, the singer carries two Afro-descendant women tied with neck chains and crawling on the floor like animals or slaves. As if this were not enough, the lyrics of the song have direct and openly sexist, racist, machista, and misogynistic expressions that violate the rights of women, comparing them to an animal that must be dominated and mistreated.”
However, on October 17, YouTube took down the video. J Balvin – real name José Balvn – apologizes and responded to the removal and indignation in a series of videos. He posted to his Instagram yesterday. “I want to say sorry to whomever felt offended, especially to the Black community,” Balvin said as per NME.“That’s not who I am. I’m about tolerance, love, and inclusivity. I also like to support new artists, in this case; Tokischa, a woman who supports her people, her community and also empowers women.”
“As a form of respect, I removed the video eight days ago,” he continued. “But because the criticism continued, I’m here making a statement”. In the meantime, he apologized to his mother, Alba Mery Balvn, for criticizing the song and video in public.
