Feminists collect signatures for the withdrawal of the song 'Zorra' as Spain's representative in Eurovision 2024

Europa Press Madrid

Madrid

Updated Monday, February 12, 2024-15:42

• Eurovision 2024 The lyrics of 'Zorra'

• Eurovision 2024 Nebulossa's 'Zorra' now has an English translation

The

women's associations and groups of the Madrid Feminist Movement

(MFM) have collected more than 1,500 signatures to request the withdrawal of 'Zorra', the song by the Alicante duo

Nebulossa,

as representative of Spain in the next Eurovision Song Contest, after winning. of the third edition of the Benidorm Fest.

This was announced this Monday by the Movement, which has once again expressed its "strong complaint" against the song that, in its opinion, "undoubtedly represents a sexist insult and is a trivialization of violence against women."

In this context, it has claimed to have received more than 1,500 responses, collected through the online form, in support of its written complaint. The document was published on February 5 and sent to the Women's Image Observatory of the Women's Institute, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the RTVE Audience Ombudsman and the RTVE Equality Observatory.

For its part, until this Monday, February 12,

the Women's Institute has received a total of 491 complaints,

through its Observatory, social networks and telephone, as sources from the organization directed by Isabel García have informed Europa Press.

The Madrid Feminist Movement, as stated, "is awaiting a response to its communications" and the signature collection form remains open for future updates of the support received.

On the other hand, feminists have highlighted that in Spain this issue has generated the "indignation and complaints of a large number" of women and women's associations in Madrid, Catalonia and other territories, and have added that it has caused

the resignation of the RTVE Equality delegate, Montserrat Boix.

"The renowned journalist has stated that she does not assume this position of the public entity and has asked for forgiveness from the victims of sexist violence," highlighted the Madrid Feminist Movement, which has shown its "solidarity" with Montserrat Boix for what it considers a "gesture of feminist coherence and dignity."

Likewise, he believes that the official translation of the title and lyrics of the composition into other languages ​​"sweetens" its message. Specifically, he explained that, in the English version, the word 'vixen' has been translated as 'Vixen', "instead of the terms more suited to the insult in the original language - vixen means prostitute (RAE) - , such as 'Bitch', 'Slut' or 'Whore'".

"We reiterate the request for the song's withdrawal, the firm appeal to respect for women and the responsibility of public organizations in the fight against verbal and all kinds of violence towards women," concluded the Feminist Movement of Madrid.

For its part,

the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed last Monday that the song 'Zorra' is "suitable"

,

understanding that "there are many interpretations of the title of the song presented by RTVE to represent Spain at the Festival de "This year's Eurovision."

"Considering its intended use in the context of the lyrics and message of the song, as explained to us by RTVE", the EBU has concluded that the winning song from Benidorm Fest "is suitable to participate in this year's contest" . "The staging of the song in May, like that of all the participants, will be agreed with the producers at a later date," the organization settled, consulted by Europa Press.

The director of Communication and Participation of RTVE, María Eizaguirre, spoke along the same lines, stating that the definition of 'Bitch' is "very clear" in the RAE dictionary, so its lyrics are "completely in accordance with the current regulations" of the EBU.

The European organization states in the 'values ​​and integrity' section of its regulations that the broadcasters participating in Eurovision "will at all times respect the values ​​of the EBU and the ESC and will take all necessary measures to protect the integrity" of the television show. Likewise, it insists that it must be ensured that "no contestant, delegation or country is discriminated against and/or ridiculed in any way."

With a total of 156 points,

Nebulossa became the winner of the Benidorm Fest 2024

. One of its members, the singer Mery Bas, defended the message of the song 'Zorra'. "Bringing this message to Europe is very important. It is something global. The word 'slut' is going to begin to be seen in a different way. People say it freely, we have totally redefined it," he said at the press conference after the end of the contest.