The music video for J Balvin’s song “Perra” has been deleted from YouTube after online backlash to its depiction of Black women.
The “Perra” music video, which features rapper Tokischa, received criticism that it perpetuated “misogynoir” for showing the Colombian singer, walking with two Black women on leashes, plus a moment when Tokischa poses in a dog house. The song features lyrics about dogs in heat.
The song is from Balvin’s album Josรฉ, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, his fourth to do so, according to Billboard. The music video was directed by Raymi Paulus.
The video was taken off Balvin’s official YouTube channel over the weekend without statements explaining why. An audio-only version of the track is still available to stream on the platform. It is unclear whether the removal of the video was an action taken by YouTube or Balvin’s team.
Colombian Vice President Marta Lucia Ramรญrez spoke out about the music video earlier this month, writing in an open letter (translated to English) that the song has “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,” Billboard reported.
“I want to say sorry to whoever felt offended, especially to the Black community,” Balvin said in anย Instagram story. “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. But because the criticism continued, I’m here making a statement. Mom, I’m sorry too. Life gets better each day. Thank you for listening to me.”
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