The organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) made an unusual request to the Puerto Rican singer Chayanne, one of the most famous in Latin America.
The organization requested the artist to change the name of his iconic song “Torero” (“Bullfighter”) to “Bombero” (“Firefighter”) to avoid associating the term “torero” with practices that, according to PETA, are “cruel and outdated”.
In a letter signed by Mimi Bekhechi, vice president of PETA for Europe, the organization argued that the term directly refers to bullfighting, a practice that does not respect current values of empathy towards animals.
The letter emphasizes that “the act of glorifying those who torture and kill animals for entertainment is no longer aligned with the sensibilities of the 21st century,” according to Bekhechi.
PETA supports their request with survey data indicating that 70% of the Spanish population opposes this type of shows. In contrast, the organization highlights that “firefighters embody admirable qualities such as courage, dedication, and compassion.”
What does the song say (translated)?
If you have to be a bullfighter
To put your soul into the arena
It doesn’t matter what comes next
Just so you know that I love you
Like a good bullfighter (ole)
I risk my life for you
A call for empathy
PETA’s letter also mentions the chorus of “Torero”, released in 2002, and how this song has become a symbol of Chayanne’s repertoire. The organization emphasizes that an artist with your reach and influence has the ability to generate significant cultural change.
So far, Chayanne has not publicly responded to this request. The petition has generated various reactions among his fans and on social media, where some support PETA’s proposal, while others defend the song as part of the singer’s artistic legacy.
The discussion around bullfighting has gained strength in recent years, especially in Spain, where multiple demonstrations against this practice have taken place.