Bogotá festival controversy follows rapper's Israeli flag protest

During the 28th edition of the Hip Hop al Parque festival at Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park in Bogotá, Colombian rapper Chelo Hop sparked significant controversy by stepping on an Israeli flag while expressing support for Palestine.

The incident, which occurred during the festival's first day on October 24, 2026, led to diplomatic tensions. The Israeli Ambassador to Colombia, Vivian Aisen, requested explanations from both the Bogotá Mayor's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the performance.

Idartes, the district institute responsible for organizing the festival, issued a statement clarifying that while the festivals are spaces for creative freedom and expression, the institution emphatically rejects “all acts of hate and xenophobia.” Idartes emphasized that the artist's actions were her exclusive responsibility and do not represent the official position of the city government.