Spain’s leftist government on Tuesday defended the country’s participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest after it was criticized by feminist groups as “insulting to women”.
The song “Zorra” (sometimes translated as “slut” but most often used to mean “slut” or “bitch”) by the Spanish electro-pop group Neblossa was released at the world’s biggest live show. He will be representing Spain at the music event.
The work was selected by a combination of jury votes and televoting during a competition broadcast on public television TVE on Saturday night.
A video of the group performing the song includes the lyrics, “If I’m out by myself, I’m a slut. If I’m having fun, I’m the biggest slut.” on the station’s YouTube channel, which has since been viewed 2.5 million times.
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“I’ve often been called ‘Zola’ and this song is a way of turning that word into something beautiful,” lead singer Maria Blas, 55, told TVE.
Many feminist groups objected, with some calling for Spain to choose another song to represent Spain at Eurovision, which will be held in Sweden in May.
In a statement, Madrid’s feminist movement group said the song “demeans women in a sexist way” and said “relentless repetition” of the words could “empower” women. He added that it was “ridiculous” to make the claim.
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However, Equality Minister Ana Redondo García called the song “a fun song that defies stereotypes.”
Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a self-proclaimed feminist, echoed this sentiment, telling private television La Sexta that he liked the song.
“Feminism is not only fair, but also fun. This kind of provocation must come from the culture,” he added.
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The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision, said it had concluded that “Zola” did not require any changes to the lyrics and was eligible to participate in the contest, as “the title of the song has many interpretations”. Announced.
TPE/DS/IMM