Just one day after International Women’s Day (March 9) and Puerto Rican rapper Arcangel “La Maravilla” is – once again – under scrutiny for sexist behaviour. Questioning the value of women who show their physical attributes on social media, the artist posted on his Instagram story: “You want to be respected as women, bla bla bla! but you spend your time showing your a** on social media for likes. Women who behave distinguish themselves and are categorized as ladies.”
Outraged by the reggaetonero’s sexist remarks, female artists in the industry including Brazilian singer Anitta were quick to react, with a post that captioned: “This is me, showing my ass on my Instagram…”
“Can you use women’s asses in your videos and use explicit lyrics to obtain views, but at the same time say those women who show THEIR OWN ASSES on their social networks don’t deserve respect? I’m confused,” the singer wrote in her bikini photo caption.
In a seemingly careless apology, Austin Santos aka Arca replied to the Brazilian bombshell, by saying that he wasn’t referring to someone specifically and that he respects all women but then went on to say that he didn’t mean to offend “respectable ladies.”
He then added he was Anitta’s big-ass fan and if he could, he would like all her Bum Bum Tam Tam pictures with his mouth, admitting to being upset by the Brazilian’s decision to unfollow him.
A few hours later Anitta was back on her IG stories, to inform fans of the two-hour phone conversation she had just had with Arcangel, who had personally called her to apologise.
“I always knew this post wasn’t about me but if it affects women in general, it’s my duty to do something about it,” said Anitta. “To the men who agree with Arcangel, please know that women are free to do whatever they want with their lives and bodies.”
Argentinian trapper Cazzu also jumped on her Instagram stories to respond to the artist, who had previously been arrested in Vegas back in 2019 for getting into a domestic argument with a woman. However, he was quickly released after paying a bail of less than $3,000.
“’They use networks to prostitute themselves,’ said Arcangel, and he used them to offend, mock and then apologize very unseriously after offending 90% of the female fans that followed and respected him — all this on women’s week. I don’t think he cares what I have to say about him, but it does hurt me because I’ve ALWAYS been a fan of his. I dreamed of having a song with him. But misogyny is born where a man decides which woman is respected and which is not,” said Cazzu.
Cazzu then posted on her stories that Arcangel had also called her personally to acknowledge his slip-up and have a one-on-one conversation about feminism and primarly to educate himself on the controversial topic.
Other female artists who also spoke out were Colombian-born singer Kali Uchis. The singer and songwriter took the opportunity to share her thoughts: “It’s disgusting to know how many reggaetoneros hate us for having the power to find our self love. You’re jealous and intimidated by us and it shows…When will weak men die?” Uchis wrote in a post.