Carlos Baute Addresses Racism Accusations After Controversial Chant at Venezuelan Event

Carlos Baute has responded to accusations of racism following his participation in a controversial chant directed at Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez during a recent event in Madrid. The incident occurred at a gathering supporting the Venezuelan rightwing opposition figure María Corina Machado, where thousands of attendees voiced their frustrations, leading to the provocative cheers including 'out with the monkey.' Baute was among those who joined in, which has drawn significant criticism. In a message shared from his home, Baute expressed how the overwhelming energy and sentiments of the event impacted him. 'This Saturday in Madrid, we were allowed to hold a spectacular event of Venezuelan national sentiment. The energy was tremendous,' he stated. Reflecting on the experience, he acknowledged his emotional reaction, admitting, 'I joined in; I got carried away by the emotion of that chant without thinking about it.' He recognized that the context stemmed from many years of frustration and lack of freedom for the people of Venezuela. Baute expressed concern over media interpretations of his actions, insisting that they misrepresented his character and values. He stated, 'They are saying that I am racist; please, I come from a Venezuelan family. I grew up within the folklore of unity.' The singer emphasized his commitment to fighting against injustices, proclaiming, 'I am not a racist.' He further clarified, 'I do not believe in insults as a path. A specific moment does not define who I am or everything I have built throughout my life.' While he expressed regret for any offense caused, he also urged critics not to lose sight of the primary issue at hand – the pressing need for elections and democracy in Venezuela. 'If someone felt offended, I regret it and apologize. But gentlemen, do not turn the tables. The most important thing is that we remain focused on what truly matters, which is Venezuela,' Baute concluded, reiterating his commitment to the cause. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2