Karol G criticized for message to new Colombia president: 'Our country needs leaders capable of uniting'

Colombian superstar Karol G has ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media following a public message directed at the nation's newly elected president, Abelardo de Espriella. The singer, widely known as "Bichota," found herself on the receiving end of backlash from users who believe she should refrain from engaging in political discourse.

In a post on her X account, Karol G clarified that she was not aligning herself with either the right or the left but was speaking from a place of "justice." She appealed to de Espriella, a far-right candidate recognized by the National Electoral Council as president-elect, to prioritize the well-being of all Colombians, not solely those who share his political ideals. "The elections are over, the campaign is over, the speeches are over; now the hardest part begins: governing for everyone," she wrote.

Her message included specific requests for the president-elect to safeguard citizens' integrity, ensure accessible job opportunities, and actively combat hatred. She urged him to listen to both his supporters and those who did not vote for him, emphasizing that his governance should extend beyond a single party, ideology, or sector.

However, the singer's plea for unity did not resonate with many commenters. Instead, they perceived her message as a subtle endorsement of de Espriella's political views, expressing disappointment. Some users accused her of being out of touch, with one commenter stating, "Now the singer knows more about governing than the ruler." Others criticized her perceived shift towards neoliberalism, suggesting she had become "an impoverisher of the working class." The criticism also included comparisons to her past silence on previous administrations, with one user questioning why she hadn't spoken out against former President Petro's government.