Los del Río, the Spanish music duo best known for their hit song La Macarena, have expressed outrage after the White House featured their song in a video depicting the recent bombings in Iran. Antonio Romero, one of the group's members, emphasized that La Macarena was intended to bring joy and positivity to the world, not to be associated with violence and destruction. During an interview on Canal Sur's program Despierta Andalucía, Romero articulated his discomfort with the appropriation of their work for such a serious context, highlighting the unintended consequences that can arise from a song's popularity.

Romero acknowledged the challenge of creating a universally beloved song, stating that once it achieves widespread fame, it can be used in ways that distort its original meaning. He questioned the appropriateness of using a track meant for celebration in the backdrop of war, suggesting that such a juxtaposition undermines the very spirit the song embodies. The situation has sparked discussion around the ethical use of music in political messaging and the responsibilities artists have over their creative works once released to the public.

The video released by the White House includes footage of missile strikes and bombings, vividly contrasting with the upbeat and festive nature of La Macarena. This has not only prompted a reaction from Los del Río but has also resonated with audiences who feel that the message conveyed by the White House is fundamentally at odds with the culture of joy and positivity the song represents. This controversy raises important questions about the intersection of art, politics, and the narrative power of music in shaping public perception.