It was during an on-site interview in Qatar with the Israeli public service channel Kan in connection with the opening ceremony that the Colombian world star was asked if he has no problems with human rights violations.
- Yes, but it's nothing I can solve.
I just came here to enjoy life and enjoy the football party, he said.
But news anchor Moav Vardi was not satisfied and began to press Maluma about so-called "whitewashing", which prompted the star to turn to someone off-screen and ask if he really needed to answer that question.
He then stood up and left the interview while declaring that the interviewer was rude.
Maluma sings together with the American rapper Nicki Minaj and the Lebanese artist Myriam Fares "Tukoh taka", which is the official song of the WC tournament.
Several world artists, such as Diplo, Calvin Harris and Robbie Williams give concerts in Qatar during the World Cup, which runs between November 20 and December 18.
Others, such as British star Dua Lipa, have instead strongly distanced themselves from the event.