‘Mamacita Since 14’? Colombia’s Top Court Just Ruled Against Karol G, J Balvin, and the ‘+57’ Lyric

It’s been months since the reggaeton anthem “+57” sparked public outrage. Its lyrics referencing a minor in a sexualized way made people more than uncomfortable. Now, Colombia’s highest administrative court has weighed in. On Tuesday, the Council of State formally ruled that the original version of the song violated the rights of children and adolescents.

The Line in “+57” That Sparked a National Controversy

“+57,” released in November 2024, was intended to be a musical tribute to Colombian talent. The track brought together a reggaeton dream team: Karol G, J Balvin, Maluma, Feid, Ryan Castro, and Blessd. But fans and child advocacy groups quickly zeroed in on one particular line. Feid and Maluma joined in a verse that referred to a girl as a “mamacita since she was 14.”

The backlash was immediate. As the Associated Press reported, the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) condemned the lyric for reinforcing the sexualization of minors and contributing to a culture that enables exploitation. Human trafficking and child abuse are major issues in Colombia, with over 35,000 minors involved in commercial sexual exploitation, according to Children Change Colombia.

Karol G and Her Collaborators Reacted to the “+57” Fallout

As criticism mounted, Karol G issued a public apology via Instagram. She said the song was meant to celebrate unity, not cause harm. “I feel very affected,” she said in her statement. “I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart.” J Balvin, meanwhile, defended the track, focusing on its message of collaboration.

Facing mounting pressure, the artists released a revised version of “+57.” They changed the lyric from “fourteen” to “eighteen,” the age of majority in Colombia. However, the original version had already circulated widely across streaming platforms and social media.

Two Citizens Took Legal Action Against the Song

Amid the public outcry, two Colombian citizens filed a tutela—a legal mechanism in the country that allows individuals to seek protection for fundamental rights. They argued that “+57” violated children’s dignity and their right to the free development of personality.

According to the AP, the plaintiffs demanded a public apology from the artists, the removal of the original video from digital platforms, and a pledge to create content that promotes values rather than reinforces harmful narratives.

What the Tribunal Said About “+57” and Its Impact

On April 8, 2025, the Council of State issued its decision. Although the court did not order the artists to apologize or remove the song, since the lyric had been modified, it acknowledged that the original version of “+57” had, in fact, violated children’s rights.

“This Court considers that the dissemination of a song that sexualizes minors constitutes a serious violation of their fundamental right to human dignity,” the ruling stated.

The tribunal also encouraged reggaeton artists to refrain from publishing or distributing music that undermines the rights of children and adolescents.

The Conversation Isn’t Over

Karol G and J Balvin had petitioned the court to consider the matter resolved due to the changes made to the lyrics. The court partially agreed, noting that the issue no longer represented an ongoing violation. Still, the ruling emphasized that damage was done during the time the original version was in circulation.

The case around “+57” continues to raise bigger questions about accountability in the music industry, especially when songs are aimed at younger audiences. In the era of instant streaming and viral lyrics, how artists address controversy matters—and, increasingly, so does how the law responds.