WATCH: Colombian rapper Chelo Hop refuses to raise Israeli flag, steps on it during festival performance

Colombian rapper Chelo Hop refused to raise an Israeli flag and instead stepped on it during her performance at the 2026 edition of Hip Hop al Parque, a major free hip-hop festival held in Bogotá, Colombia.

The incident took place during the 28th edition of Hip Hop al Parque, organised on October 24 and 25 at Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park.

One report shared online on Ummahbuz mentioned that the rapper also shouted “Free Palest*ne” during her performance.

Although the event occurred on October 24 but it has gone viral on social media sites now. The footage shows the artist holding the flag before stepping on it and calling out “Palestina Libre” (Free Palest*ne).

Chelo Hop, whose real name is Karol Restrepo, also presented a new political song from her upcoming album Anatomía.

According to the post shared by El Enemigo Co and Chelo Hop, the track calls for patience and resistance among popular movements and looks toward 2030 as a starting point for a new world.

Videos circulating online show a man on stage holding an Israeli flag before it is placed on the ground, where the rapper steps on it while continuing her performance.

Reports on the incident also say she voiced support for Palestine during the appearance.

According to Bogotá’s official cultural authorities statement, Chelo Hop is the stage name of Karol Restrepo, a local artist whose project combines rap with socially conscious themes. She performed at the festival on October 24-25, as part of the programme featuring artists selected to represent Bogotá’s hip-hop scene.

The festival brought together Colombian and international performers, alongside breaking competitions, urban art and other activities celebrating hip-hop culture.

The incident comes amid continuing international divisions over Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Colombia severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024, with President Gustavo Petro citing the conflict as a reason for the decision.