Karol G's groundbreaking role as the first Latina headliner at Coachella marks a significant milestone in the festival's history, according to reports. However, multiple reports indicate she has been warned about speaking out against injustice, as she could face major repercussions, though the exact source of these warnings remains unclear. She has been instructed to keep her Coachella performances neutral, according to sources, though the specific repercussions she might face have not been confirmed.
Karol G is keen to use her platform to address inequalities across the United States, such as the tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sources say. How her planned activism will manifest in her performance remains uncertain, with details on her setlist and messaging still unannounced. Meanwhile, Irish artist CMAT spoke out against United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids during her Coachella performance on Friday (10 April), according to reports.
People will say, 'It's better you don't... Because if you say the thing, maybe the next day you'll get a call, 'Hey, we are taking your visa away.'
CMAT performed on the Gobi stage at Coachella, where she made a political statement about immigration enforcement, as confirmed by festival coverage. The public and industry reaction to CMAT's statements at Coachella has not been widely reported, with limited media attention so far. CMAT's artistic credentials add weight to her political statements, as her third album EURO-COUNTRY was shortlisted for the 2025 Mercury Prize, according to prize organizers.
Her outspoken stance at Coachella raises questions about whether other artists at the festival are planning similar political statements during their performances, though no other acts have confirmed such plans. The festival, which has seen increased political activism in recent years, now features both historic representation and direct political commentary on its stages, reflecting broader cultural shifts in the music industry.
You become bait because some people want to show their power.
I don't want to just say 'ICE Out' and have nothing come from it.
I'm probably going to go a little harder than that.
I just want to represent my community.
I'm not saying that I'm not going to do it; what I'm saying is that I would do it and will do it with my soul. But I want to sit down and understand, in my head: Here's what that meant.
When I received the call, I felt like a huge weight fell on me.
I feel very blessed to be part of a generation that is trying to change the narrative and raise our voice for the community.
Please do not let them convince you that people dying or being ripped away from their family in the name of country or capital is anything other than an abhorrent waste of life.
We only get one go around. And I don't want us to waste it. ICE f***ing out, and free Palestine.