A scandal is shaking the Buenos Aires arts scene. Brazilian country music singer João Bueno was removed from the San Juan festival — the second largest celebration in Brazil after Carnival — scheduled for July 25 at a theater in La Boca, Buenos Aires. The reason: a controversial comment about the Falkland Islands that he posted on social media.
It all started after the Argentine national team’s defeat against Spain in New Jersey. In that context, Bueno posted a story on his Instagram profile with the phrase: “They lost the Falklands, they lost Diego [Maradona], and they lost the cup.” The post sparked a wave of outrage among Argentine followers.
Quickly, the singer deleted the story and, days later, published a statement. “I want to speak out about the last post I made. In a moment of great anger and impulsiveness, I ended up crossing the line by mentioning the Falklands War,” he explained. He added: “I had no idea how sensitive this issue is for many Argentines and I acknowledge that I was wrong to make that reference. The post was up for less than an hour on social media. As soon as I calmed down, I deleted the story. I understood that I had gone too far.”
Bueno claimed that his reaction was a response to “numerous messages of xenophobia and racism against Brazilians, telling them to ‘go back to Brazil,’ insulting them, and even burning their flag.” “All of that filled me with anger and, carried away by that moment of rage, I ended up responding in a way that was not correct,” he lamented. The artist clarified that his words do not represent his thoughts about Argentina: “For me, Argentina as a country and the national team are two different things. I live here, I work here, I have made friends here, and I am very grateful to the country that welcomed me. The fact that I do not support the Argentine national team, just as many Argentines do not support the Brazilian team, is part of sports rivalry. But that rivalry should never be a reason for racism, xenophobia, or personal attacks.”
However, the apologies were not enough. The Association of Brazilian Women and Mothers in Argentina (AMMBRAR), organizer of the festival, decided to exclude him from the event. “From AMMBRAR, we want to publicly express our deep regret and our most sincere apologies to the Argentine people for the statements made by one of the artists who was part of our event’s lineup,” they stated in a press release. “We reject any manifestation that may hurt and disrespect the memory and feelings of Argentina, a country for which we feel deep pride and gratitude. For this reason, João Bueno has been removed from the event’s program,” they emphasized.
Furthermore, the association reported having received “hate messages and threats,” so, prioritizing safety, they decided to reschedule the festival for a new date yet to be announced. Bueno, for his part, reiterated his apologies “especially to those who felt offended by the reference to the Falklands War.” “It was never my intention to disrespect those who lived through that conflict or the families marked by it,” he stressed. And he concluded: “I sincerely hope that this situation serves to put an end to this matter. Football should unite us through passion and healthy rivalry, never hatred.”
para mi este brasilero de mierda se cree q puede hablar de malvinas? las malvinas son argentinas carajo q se vaya a su pais y no vuelva mas los zurdos de siempre defendiendo a este boludo me tienen harto viva argentina y las malvinas 🇦🇷
che pero estos brasileros son unos llorones mal, se ofenden x un chiste y ya lo rajan, para mi Malvinas es argentina y si el cantante se rie nosotros tenemos derecho a bardearlo, las madres brasileras andá a llorar a la llorería, viva la soberanía carajo, el festival cedió a la presión, #LasMalvinasSonArgentinas