Colombian Rapper Celo Hop Sparks Backlash After Stepping on Israeli Flag

Colombian rapper Celo Hop has sparked sharp backlash and widespread debate after stepping on an Israeli flag during a performance at a hip-hop festival in Bogotá, Colombia. Video footage from the event shows a crew member handing the flag to the artist before placing it directly on the stage floor.

During the performance, Celo Hop shouted slogans calling to free Palestine and added remarks urging people to reject what does not belong. The video quickly went viral, accumulating tens of millions of views across social media platforms and drawing both severe condemnation and praise.

Responding to the controversy, the rapper published a quote on her Instagram story by legendary singer Nina Simone, stating that an artist who fails to reflect the reality of the world is merely making noise rather than art. She also amplified posts from supporters commending her controversial stage stunt.

Celo Hop has risen in recent years to become one of the prominent figures in the underground hip-hop scene of the Colombian capital. Her actions drew predictable praise from pro-Palestinian activists, with commentators thanking her for siding with what they described as the correct side of history.