Yahritza y Su Esencia is facing heavy backlash due to their recent comments about Mexico. Today (Aug. 3), the Mexican-American band has responded to all the hate they are receiving online.

During a press conference in Mexico City, Yahritza Martínez said that while she does think the area is “beautiful,” she didn’t like the noise in the morning from cars and police sirens. Her oldest brother Mando implied that he preferred their home state of Washington to Mexico. “I don’t really like the food here much,” he added. Her other brother Jairo also expressed that he wasn’t a fan of food in Mexico City because he’s a “picky eater.” Their ages range from 16 to 25.

Videos of Yahritza y Su Esencia talking about Mexico City and their distaste for Mexican food went viral. Many Mexican people from Mexico and the U.S. sought to “cancel” the band for seemingly disrespecting their Mexican roots and culture. It should be noted that some people were racist and xenophobic with their comments toward the band. Instead of critiquing the band’s words, some commentators were putting down Indigenous communities and Mexicans with dark complexions by criticizing the siblings’ appearances. 

On TikTok this morning, the teenagers broke their silence about the backlash. Mando was unable to join them for the video message. “What motivates us every day to write songs and music is the great pride of having Mexican blood in our veins,” Yahritza said. “No matter where we were born, we are proudly Mexican, and we appreciate the love of the public–especially in Mexico.”

Yahritza went on to apologize on behalf of the family band for their misconstrued comments. They also took accountability for their words and how they’re learning from the mistake. 

“We didn’t know how to express correctly or talk about what we like about the country, especially Mexico City,” she added. “We said things that were out of line and now we understand that. We apologize to you guys from the bottom of our hearts. […] We appreciate when you let us know when something isn’t good or when you don’t like something because that way we can be better people.”