Karol G, J Balvin, and Others Face Legal Battle Over ‘+57’ Amid Alleged Sexualization of Minors Despite Apology and Lyric Change 

In November 2024, a collaboration between Colombian reggaetón singers Karol G, J Balvin, Maluma, Feid, Ryan Castro, Blessd, DFZM, and Ovy on the Drums produced the track ‘+57.’  

The song, named after the country’s calling code, aimed to celebrate the unity of Colombian artists and the national pride of their shared heritage. Yet, what could have been a cultural milestone quickly became a source of controversy. This prompted legal action and created a larger debate about the responsibility of artists in shaping cultural narratives through their music. 

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Legal Action and Public Apologies

The controversy began when two individuals, Ramit Osorio Peña and Daniel Eduardo de Castro, filed a lawsuit on behalf of minors against the song, citing a line that stated “Una mamacita desde los fourteen (14 años)” (“A hot girl since fourteen (14 years old)”). The phrase, they argued, promoted the sexualization of minors, opening the door for exploitation and violence. The backlash on social media was swift, and the song’s content was called into question. 

In response, the artists quickly amended the line, replacing it with “mamacita desde los eighteen (18 años)” (“hot girl since eighteen (18 years old)”) on digital platforms. Despite this attempt to pacify critics, the legal challenge did not subside. Magistrate Jorge Edison Portocarrero took up the case, and the artists’ legal teams began preparing their defense, asserting that the song did not intend to incite criminal behavior or sexual exploitation. 

“It is important to clarify that the song does not, in any of its parts, promote or incite criminal acts, especially not those of a sexual nature involving minors,” the defense stated. They maintained that the line had been misinterpreted and that the track was meant to be a celebration of Colombian music and culture. In a similar vein, the legal representatives of Feid and J Balvin contended that the lawsuit infringed on their fundamental right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in Colombia’s Constitution. 

As the legal process unfolded, Karol G took to her social media platforms, posting an apology to her followers. “I am always grateful for those who support me… Unfortunately, the lyrics of a song that was meant to celebrate the unity of artists and get my people dancing were taken out of context. None of the things said in the song have the direction they’ve been given, but I listen, take responsibility, and realize I still have much to learn,” she said, accepting some responsibility for the public outcry. 

Despite the apology and the adjustment made to the lyrics, the legal case continued, according to Rolling Stone. On November 28, 2024, Osorio Peña and De Castro Marriaga filed an action, further asserting that the song violated the rights of minors by promoting sexualization. In response, the artists’ legal teams pointed to the swift changes made to the song and argued that removing it from digital platforms would undermine their right to artistic expression. 

Missed Opportunity to Celebrate Colombian Culture

While the legal battle over the song rages on, it has prompted a wider conversation about the deeper cultural impact of reggaetón and the responsibility of artists to consider the messages they convey. The focus of ‘+57’ on partying and objectifying women stands in stark contrast to the cultural richness that Colombia has to offer. Instead of highlighting the nation’s musical diversity — its cumbia, salsa, or even vallenato — the song fixated on themes of indulgence and superficiality. These genres, deeply rooted in Colombian tradition, carry profound messages of history, social commentary, and beauty, yet the song failed to draw from them in a meaningful way. 

Colombia’s musical heritage is carefully woven from centuries of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. Cumbia, for instance, tells stories of Colombia’s coastal communities, blending rhythms and melodies to create a powerful narrative of resistance and resilience. Salsa, born from Colombia’s Afro-Caribbean roots, speaks to the struggle, passion, and joy of everyday life. Vallenato, often considered the heart of Colombia’s music, is a lyrical genre that celebrates love, loss, and the beauty of the countryside. These genres are reflections of Colombian history, culture, and identity. By overlooking these elements, ‘+57’ missed a vital opportunity to connect with the heart of Colombian music and the rich cultural landscape that these genres represent. 

The Responsibility of Artists in Shaping Public Perception

The song’s emphasis on objectifying women, coupled with its focus on partying and hedonism, failed to engage with the deeper cultural currents that shape Colombia’s artistic expression. Rather than using the platform to highlight Colombia’s landscapes, people, or history, ‘+57’ instead leaned into familiar tropes of reggaetón that often perpetuate stereotypes and offer little more than empty escapism. While reggaetón has an undeniable place in the contemporary music scene, especially in Colombia, its artistic potential often risks being overshadowed by its fixation on themes of excess and superficiality. 

This focus on party culture and materialism stands in contrast to the deeper messages embedded in Colombia’s other musical genres, which offer a more profound and meaningful connection to the country’s roots. If ‘+57’ had incorporated elements of cumbia, salsa, or vallenato, it could have become a true celebration of Colombian culture, showcasing its diversity and history in a way that would have resonated more deeply with listeners both in Colombia and around the world. 

What’s Next for ‘+57’?

The controversy surrounding ‘+57’ has now become a lens through which the reggaetón genre — and, by extension, the broader urban music scene — must examine its responsibility in addressing sensitive topics. While the genre thrives on its rebellious and often provocative nature, it is also faced with the challenge of navigating its influence on public perceptions, especially in a world where social responsibility and cultural sensitivity are more critical than ever before. 

In the case of ‘+57,’ the missed opportunity to create something that could have celebrated Colombia’s diverse musical traditions has sparked an important discussion.  

As the case continues in the courts, it remains to be seen whether this controversy will lead to a shift in the way artists approach their music and the messages they send out into the world. In the meantime, the song’s legacy will likely serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of neglecting the richness of a country’s cultural heritage in favor of empty themes that fail to resonate with the depth and beauty of the culture itself.