Madrid, Spain – A slogan referring to interim President Delcy Rodríguez as a monkey at a rally for Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado sparked a political divide and forced a popular Venezuelan singer to apologize.
Chants of “Puera la Mona” (Kick out the monkeys) echoed through Madrid’s Puerta del Sol on Saturday as thousands gathered to show their support for Machado.
Although it only lasted a few seconds, the chant drew widespread criticism from both Venezuelan government supporters and the opposition. Some people criticized it as racist, while others said it was derogatory and inappropriate to comment on someone’s appearance, regardless of intent.
Latin America Report Venezuelan singer Carlos Baute, who was a few rows away from the stage, was calling for free elections when he noticed a small group begin chanting. The slogan quickly spread through parts of the crowd. As the sound grew, Baute joined in and turned the microphone toward the audience, which prompted more people to repeat the chant.
By Sunday afternoon, a clip had been circulating on social media showing Baute joining the chant on stage. The singer, who has more than 1 million followers on Instagram, issued a video apology on Monday. He said he was caught up in the atmosphere of the rally, but insisted he was not a racist.
“It was a very powerful moment and I knew something was wrong,” the 52-year-old said.
“I have been singing about love, life and unity my whole life. I am not a racist. I am a singer who loves his country, his family and God.”
Some on social media who attended the rally blamed the incident on ‘intruders’ and said only a small number of people attended the rally.
Not everyone in the crowd participated, and some attendees looked visibly uncomfortable.
Although the chants lasted only a few seconds and were followed by exciting performances and Machado’s speech, the video went viral the next day.
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado distanced himself from the comments, telling EFE on Sunday: “No one will hear me say something that judges or disqualifies people based on their religion, gender or race.”
On the same day, the Venezuelan embassy in Spain condemned it as “a form of political violence rooted in misogyny and racism.”
But others defended the moment, pointing out the double standards and language that government supporters often use against opposition figures, including insults directed at Machado such as “bruja,” meaning witch, and “sayona,” a reference to Venezuelan legends about evil female spirits.
Nicmer Evans, a prominent Venezuelan journalist, described Baute’s comments as “racist” while criticizing the government, especially Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, for frequently using similar language against opponents.
“Just as I have made clear the racism and subsequent foolishness of calling Delsi ‘Mona,’ I cannot help but point out the cynicism of a man who insults Venezuelan women on a daily basis when he calls Machado ‘Sayona’ or ‘Bruja,’” he wrote.
Machado is currently in Madrid as part of a European tour, meeting supporters and politicians from the Venezuelan diaspora. However, she has never met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Featured image caption: Delsey Rodriguez.
Featured image source: Russian Government via Wikimedia Commons
