colombianherald.com

The electoral debate in Colombia has descended into personal and controversial territory following the recent publications on the social network X by the cartoonist Julio César González, “Matador”. In the last few hours, González, who is currently aspiring to a seat in the Senate for the Historical Pact, published a series of messages and animations in which he mocked the physical appearance of the presidential candidate Paloma Valencia, comparing her to sculptures by Fernando Botero in a tone that has been called “grotesque” and “misogynistic.”

The unanimous rejection: “Discrimination, not criticism”

The reaction was immediate. The Ombudsman, Iris Marín, led the criticism, pointing out that these types of attacks are “void of content” and appeal to stereotypes that seek to delegitimize women in politics. “Mockery about the body is a form of discrimination that does not fit into a democratic debate,” said the official.

You may be interested in: Free and in packs! Group of gray marmosets released after a year of rehabilitation in Antioquia

This rejection was joined by voices from across the political spectrum, from candidate Vicky Dávila to representative Marelen Castillo, who agreed that the humor of “Matador” has crossed the line from political satire to become symbolic violence.

The shadow of domestic violence

The controversy has served to remind public opinion of the dark episode that in 2023 caused the definitive departure of “Matador” from the newspaper El Tiempo. At that time, a formal complaint of domestic violence filed by his wife, Alejandra María Valencia, was revealed for events that occurred years ago while the cartoonist was under the influence of alcohol.

The background: In March 2023, after the audio of the complaint was leaked, González himself publicly admitted the assault: “I screwed up, I apologize to my wife,” he declared at the time, confirming that he even spent 16 hours in a cell after the incident.

For many critics and users on social networks, the current attack against Paloma Valencia is not an isolated event, but rather an example of systematic behavior of disrespect towards women. The cartoonist’s detractors point out that someone with his history of physical violence and his current verbal attacks should not represent citizens in Congress.

A campaign under the magnifying glass

While Paloma Valencia’s presidential campaign continues to focus on its security and economic proposals, the episode has put “Matador” in the eye of the hurricane. So far, the Senate candidate has not retracted his ridicule, defending his publications as part of his freedom of expression, an argument that is increasingly finding less echo among institutions and organizations defending women’s rights.

Matador, the caricaturist who beat his wife, now makes fun of Paloma Valencia’s physique

Source link