Karol G Says She Still Has a 'Lot to Learn' Following '+57' Backlash: 'I Take Responsibility'

The singer said in a statement in Spanish that the controversial lyrics were meant to "celebrate the union between artists and put to shine my people"

Karol G attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York
Karol G attends the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in September 2024 in Elmont, New York. Photo:

Taylor Hill/Getty

Karol G has issued a statement following the release of "+57," a song featuring some of Colombia's most prominent acts that has been met with backlash due to the nature of its lyrics.

The 33-year-old artist — who was joined on the track by her boyfriend Feid, along with the likes of J BalvinMalumaRyan CastroBlessd and DFZM — spoke out four days after the song was released, among allegations of the lyrics sexualizing minors.

The song became a topic of conservation due to its lyrical content, including a verse than translates to "A mamacita since 14 / When she walks into the club, you can feel her energy."

While Karol G does not sing the verse—instead, it is shared between Feid and Maluma —the singer/songwriter does recite lyrics that include "She looks innocent, but those eyes lie," and "Sucking on a lollipop, hottie's got that vibe."

After receiving backlash from listeners— including the Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF) — Karol G posted to her Instagram Stories on Monday, Nov. 11, to speak out about the lyrics that "were taken out of context."

Karol G Responds to Criticism on Instagram Stories
Karol G statement.

Carol G/Instagram

"As artists, we are exposed to public opinion, and to the individual interpretations of people who like us and people who differ with what we do. I feel a lot of frustration for the misinformation that has been given," the artist wrote in a statement in Spanish.

"In this case, unfortunately, the lyrics of a song, with which I sought to celebrate the union between artists and put to shine my people … were taken out of context," she continued. "None of the things said in the song have the direction they have been 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."

Karol G attends the Second Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit Supporting Youth Mental Health, hosted by Selena Gomez, at Nya Studios on October 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Karol G attends the Second Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit Supporting Youth Mental Health, hosted by Selena Gomez, in Los Angeles on October 24, 2024.

Amy Sussman/Getty

The musician, who earlier this year won the Grammy for best música urbana album, ended her statement by thanking her fans for "their unconditional love and support."

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"I value it very much, and to the artists who participated with me in the song, I keep in my heart the beautiful energy with which we worked that day," she wrote. Both Feid and J Balvin shared the statement on their respective Instagram Stories.

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