The TRUTH About Medellin's Rising "Gringo Hatred"

✅ FREE Medellin Relocation Guide: medellinmaster...
Medellin social media has been going crazy lately reporting stories about how Colombians are "rioting in the streets" against the presence of foreigners in their city.
Unfortunately, basically all these social media outlets reported the facts wrong.
So in this video, I'm educating you on EXACTLY what's happening in Medellin and if us foreigners need to be worried.
Articles referenced in this video: docs.google.co...
NEXT LEVEL RESOURCES:
☎️ BOOK a Call With Me: www.akjoel.com...
📖 LEARN MORE About The Medellin Masterclass: medellinmaster...
WANT TO WORK TOGETHER?
📽️ Promos & Sponsorships: [e-mail]
G'day, my name's AK and on this channel I explore expat life in Medellin, Colombia. Whether you're considering moving to Medellin or just visiting Colombia, I've got you covered. Join me as I show you exactly what living in Medellin and Colombia as an expat is really like.
#medellin #colombia #medellincolombia #movetomedellin #movetocolombia

[@AKJoel]

⚠️ Important clarification! Some of you are commenting that "they are chanting we don't want gringos" - but that direct word for word translation is incorrect in this context. They're actually saying "gringos p*teros" which means "gringos who have s*x with prostitutes." They are referring to s*x tourists only, not all gringos. Google "que significa p*tero" (what does p*tero mean) and you will get this explanation... P*utero (adjetivo) Dicho de un hombre: Que mantiene relaciones sexuales con prostitutas. Said of a man: Who has sexual relations with prostitutes. This position is once again backed up by the mayor of Medellin, Fico, in his speech at the end of the video.

[@Kevface]

But the way they attach the Gringo term there really shows how they paint us with a very broad brush Imagine if NY had a protest chanting get rid of the "Palestin Terrorissors". That broad brush dangerously paints them all in the same light.

[@vidong1704]

Whoring Gringos is the translation. But now every " Gringo" will be assumed to be a whoring one. But who is a Gringo anyway? Is it a foreigner? a US citizen? Who is classified as a Gringo in Colombia? A foreigner? Well, is a Venezuelan a Gringo? Is a Chinese person a Gringo?

[@armyguytravels]

Who indulges more in s@x with working women? Outsiders or locals?

[@stayingfitandfocused]

Exactly, tired of the weirdos that have tried to turn medillin into thailand

[@andresfelipeod6819]

its ok, because you need to give explanation. they are some Yankees (not the total) to go to Medellín for prostitution. thats what are hatred, people who go to get under-age, I repeat Under-Age-prostitution.

[@jjmarcgagnon2386]

thk you i visited Medellin, last time in Jan 2019.. had a great time.. I was by myself.. went to all safe places.. did lose my wallet on a stairwell, while tightening my shoes. A great Paisa man, saw what was happening. and right away called me several time to come back, and to give me back my wallet. he saved my journey. Be safe, be careful, be aware, use spanish and hv a great time.

[@rubencorzo6185]

The problem here is simple its you tube. In the era of you tube Medellin has received so much attention. So many youtubers showing how easy and cheap it is to party and obtain women for pleasure. This has caused a low quality of tourism. I have been coming here for 15 years. Trust me when I tell you you never saw these type of tourist here before never.

[@mrxiong2567]

Agreed. I started going to Colombia in 2015 and saw how things have evolved and I don't like the conceited gringos who just come here to exploit their women at Parque Lleras.

[@Nicholas_Van_Orten]

Exactly right! KZbin popularized Colombia and attract lots of tourist good and bad!

[@douglaslamb7267]

You can thank the passport bros for all this mess

[@GBU61]

More accurately is Medellin. You do not see this issue in most parts of the country.

[@geistlingster]

@@douglaslamb7267 I landed in Bogota in January and you can just tell from the line-up at immigration, who is here to travel travel and who's there to party in a degenerate manner. Sad because the country has so much to offer.

[@bebetterlanguagesessions]

I have witnessed gringos being insulted in the streets of poblado for offering their english lessons. On top of that someone is putting gringo go home stickers all over poblado.

[@AKJoel]

The English classes thing sounds strange and abnormal. The "Go Home Gringo" stickers were just a ploy from a political party to win votes during the last election.

[@bebetterlanguagesessions]

@@AKJoel Really do you know which political party? They continue to put them up still.

[@smack770]

@@bebetterlanguagesessions He’s in denial. His KZbin channel is dependent upon the image of Colombia. He literally dismissed what you said… He’s gaslighting you despite you witnessing these situations with your own two eyes.

[@treway213]

@@AKJoel stop making excuses. Even if all the "gringos" left there will still be prostitution in the streets until Colombia takes accountability and focuses on improving itself. I personally have never felt like I am in danger when living in Colombia. However, I see it everywhere!! I see prostitution EVERYWHERE! I see Colombians offering their adolescent children to foreigners EVERYWHERE - even on island tours. Publicly penalize all parties involved. This is not a one sided issue.

[@scottmoering9810]

@AKJoel haha...if it's a political ploy then that means there is a large segment of the political vote that agree with "gringos go home". You're blinded delusional bias

[@DCampusano1]

The problem is all these passport bros traveling to these Latin countries and treating them like their brothels. Frankly, it pisses me off and it gives other American tourists a bad look.

[@AKJoel]

Well said!

[@andrewguirguis1324]

Yes these dudes are straight up trash and they make american guys look bad someone us would like to find a good women not go on vacation get drunk and treat a country with disrespect the passport childern lol

[@ronnieplanter6402]

Passport bros are usually looking for wives because they're done with western women (or they're incapable of getting dates in the west) What you're describing are just plain old s*x tourists.

[@charlesbullghost5491]

Very truly be respectful to everyone's country's all over the very beautiful world 🌎. My great inspiring wisdom for today. Have a great fabulous wonderful day.😀

[@AKJoel]

Well said! You have a great day too 😊

[@Falcon2609]

Exactly, leave your 🇺🇸 in America.

[@charlesbullghost5491]

The very beautiful country of Japan 🇯🇵. Also has problems with foreigners of causing to much very terrible trouble there too! About the very terrible distraction of the Japan's famous cherry trees 🌳. Also very annoying tourists taking to much camera pictures actually happening there all time! I'm very respectful to everyone's very beautiful country's. My great inspiring wisdom for today. Have a great fabulous wonderful day.😀

[@donTeo136]

I doubt Medellin would be a popular destination without the sex part.

[@AKJoel]

I believe it would actually be a more popular destination without this element. There's plenty of people who won't even consider visiting Medellin because of this.

[@TheSlashSlingingSlasher]

​@AKJoel yeah you got to be joking. Medellin is huge hub for cam girls. The highest percentage of cam girls actually. Women are selling 🐈 so the men are buying

[@mikeb2611]

​​@@AKJoelyoure delusional....the majority of tourists to medellin are single males....people arent going to medellin to see fat statues

[@mikeb2611]

​​@@TheSlashSlingingSlasheri question some of the cam girls ages too

[@donTeo136]

@@TheSlashSlingingSlasher i was on a plane from LA to MD and it was full of young-ish guys a couple yrs back. Ask yourself the question ' were they coming to see the museums?' More- over from a preasure relief aspect , the girls need clients - i dont see the problem. I any case, that source of income is most likely dying. Whats it 30 guys killed, drugged and robbed - who knows. There are safer places. So all this irrelavant

[@malcolmjordan6775]

They are acting like Colombian men don’t participate in paying for P 😂

[@joebidet2050]

Please even worse I've seen Panamanian women fighting with Colombians in colon Panama because their husbands spent all their salary the night before 😂

[@user-jm4kc3vh7o]

Its bad enough that we as latin americans have a big problem..and ur just adding fuel to the dympster fire that is latin america

[@user-jm4kc3vh7o]

🦍

[@GhostSal]

Surprisingly, I read that ageofconsent in Columbia is 14, maybe someone from there can tell us if that’s true?

[@user-xb6rn7qy2x]

Most men in Latin America participate in it and it's not shunned upon. However, it wasn't designed to sustain armies of lonely, lustful, bottom of the barrel American men that roam the streets harassing women and girls indiscriminately and thinking that everyone is for sale. What was once something that men would do responsibly after work is being abused by the passport bros. You see these American !diots video recording everyone in the streets, being disrespectful, tricking and paying crazy prices and causing inflation, vlogging things that don't need to be vlogged, and acting like immature teenagers that just found out that "girls have burgers and boys have hotdogs".

[@chocolate91]

"Medellin is not a brothel" seems like a small minded statement. If they don't want sex tourist, then they need to vote on banning prostition through their legalisation. Colombian men pay for prostitues, so the problem won't go away for stopping tourist going there. Their protest would be more useful if they protest the crime that occurs from both gringos and locals in sex trafficking, so there can be a carved out section of a safe red light district in Medellin similar Amsterdam. Stopping sex tourist won't get anywhere, and is a only a cover-up by the mayor to not answer for the Tinder deaths of tourist and drugging, so they decided to flip the blame.

[@midnightprizm1583]

That would take them actually using their brains and also holding their male family members and friends accountable for doing the very thing they accuse foreigners of doing. So many females there are assaulted by local men regardless of age, yet now they wanna paint it like the 1 percent or less of tourists engaging in bad behavior is the problem

[@nadicmark-4077]

then go to the good old biscayne blvd crackheads

[@marcusmeins1839]

And people around the freaking world know they will find the best girls in colombia , that's pretty much the only reason many men would go there .

[@adamantiuscloudcat1799]

Pedophilia legalization are you suggesting?

[@AndresRamirez77]

La prostitución en es el último de los problemas. El problema es que los precios suben demasiado por la gentrificacion. Adicionalmente ahora el sueño de las niñas es se prepagos

[@ErikVenom321]

My bestfriend lives in colombia and i know a few girls and guys who lives in medellin and bogota who dont like gringos either lmao. They just stay away from the tourist areas.

[@AKJoel]

I stay away from the tourist areas too and I completely understand why your friends do also!

[@inolvidable.]

Not true. The issue is with the s3-x tourism, not the rest or regular tourists.

[@treway213]

My point exactly! Gringos = sex tourists in some ppls eyes. They don't even care to consider there is a difference between the two.

[@RobAbshear]

I'm a gringo and I don't like gringos, either. I live way up in the barrio. I'm the only one up here.

[@charlottecamila2859]

They dont want these rejected cornball men/pedos from America coming in abusing little girls with the guise of being called paasport bros. I dont blame the locals. Good job Medellin! ❤

[@keithdmedia9215]

So well done sir. Thank you for getting the truth out.

[@AKJoel]

Very welcome!

[@rambopsychohn]

I'm from Honduras, I look like "gringo", dress like gringo, etc, and people think I'm a gringo where ever I go, and Colombia was not the exception, and in Medellin I was treated with respect 😊

[@nivyr5677]

Ricardo you definitely can tell your Latino

[@Savage_D_777]

You look ethnic bro. You don’t look full white. You’ll be ok in Colombia.

[@cambodianpleasuresquad1753]

if that is your profile pic then you look lebanese.

[@jaymaymer]

You absolutely do not look gringo. Latino or Middle Eastern, yes. Gringo? No way.

[@timoteodalton4602]

Ricardo, you look more like an arab than a "gringo", maybe a mediterranean phenotype

[@n4botz]

I am a foreigner (from Germany to be precise) and I find it horrible to see how others behave as a guest in a foreign country like Colombia. Also find it sad and embarrassing when I see or notice how others behave (disrespectful, sex tourism etc.). No matter which country you come from or which country you are in, decency and respect should not be foreign words, especially as a guest. A big thank you for your correction, I couldn't imagine it either because I got to know Colombia completely differently. Colombia has a special place in my heart and it would have been really sad if the mood had changed. Even if I repeat myself, I would like to say a big thanks to you. In my opinion it is extremely important that such false rumors are exposed for what they are: lies or false interpretations that do not correlate with reality. In any case, my love is unbroken and I am already looking forward to my new life when I can soon call Bogotá my new home - sweet home. Muchos saludos (aún) desde Alemania. 🇨🇴♥🇩🇪

[@AKJoel]

Thanks for your comment mate! I enjoyed reading this and best of luck with your new life in Bogota! 😊

[@scarledz93]

It is ironic how easy western european men relocate in the third world. Meanwhile, Germany places tough restrictions on migrating within the country.

[@Medellinmatchmaker]

Thanks for clearing this up for us. Great video Joel!

[@AKJoel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Julian-kn5gb]

The problem here us that U.S Dollar whorts a lot more than Colombian pesos This creates an unfair scenario for locals because rent prices are increasing as well as food and basic cost of living...please do us a favor don't travel or emigrate here we have enough trouble trying to make a living and we are already struggling with the ilegal immigration from Venezuelans... Globalism has proven to be hazardous for poor countries.

[@spurlworld]

In a jacuzzi with underage kids is not enough evidence to them? Scary times!

[@lancestone4409]

That country is crazy agebof consent in Colombia is 14! Plus there is a problematic sex trafficking of minors. Mostly adult Colombians Exploiting their own children

[@armyguytravels]

And yet how did he get away? (Did he pay off someone?) let’s be honest, the guy should never have been let out of Colombia and should be under the jail.

[@dca3092]

It’s the gringo pass. They don’t want to scare off the American tourists. You see this kind of stuff happen all over the world where the dollar goes very far vs the domestic currency.

[@oceanaxim]

Thank you for clarifying this matter.

[@GBU61]

The irony of this video is amazing. I moved from Medellin 2 weeks ago due to this issue. The majority of single men coming are sex tourists and I got tired of being lumped in with them. I lived in Medellin for 10 years and the big change happened when the digital nomad visa was established along with the end of the pandemic. The change since 2021 not only in the number of tourists but also the cost of living. I am now living in a different region of the country and the change is amazing. I did not realize how bad Medellin was getting till I left. Unfortunately the city will never be what it once was when I moved there in 2014.

[@AKJoel]

Damn, sorry to hear that. Which city did you move to?

[@harrydatrannychaserloc9245]

I recently spent month in Thailand, easily blew away Colombia in just few days there, Colombia is a waste of time that KZbinrs exploited during and after the pandemic, it's obvious, because literally no brother in America was interested before,so it's obviously a ran to the ground location now, overpriced in a shole country where min pay is 8$ for most😂

[@Hombre_Viajero_2023]

The cost of living post pandemic is worldwide event. Same goes for crimes in pretty much every country. You overlook how much money Colombia has invested in tourism . Colombia has invested over $16 million in in the first quarter of 2024 & continues to do so yearly. That's according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism.

[@peterbehringer63]

Good update, what happened there in Medellin is why i try to avoid like the plague the countries or cities overrun by thrill seeking foreign tourists and digital nomads, and i prefer under the radar or low profile places, where one can mingle with the locals, and enjoy meaningful 'Anthony Bourdain' type travel experiences...expat regards from Caracas.

[@brooklynanthony3379]

This video is non sense, there is a high level of xenophobia in Colombia. This guy seems to be doing damage control. I've been living here off and on for about five years. My family IS from Colombia, however I was born in the United States. In my experience the Colombian often times can be conniving, and always looking for a way to get over, on the foreigner. I've also felt a sense of jealousy aimed at me simply because of financial situations.

[@Michael-go4ix]

So fucking truee!!!!!

[@khoa2kin297]

Oh c'mon princesses 🤣😗💯

[@rasimalsaaid8033]

Very true

[@jjmdirector]

The hypocrisy and lack of accountability are astounding. I guarantee that 60% of the women "working" in Lleras have children. Of those, half had children before they turned 18, and 99% of that group had children with Colombian men. Exploitation in this manner existed long before foreigners made Medillin a hot spot. Americans have no tolerance for predators and take serious measures against them. Wherever Americans go, money flows and safety follows. We are averse to lawlessness, as seen in places like San Francisco where people are fleeing because it's a crap hole. The U.S. and Colombia clearly need to improve their extradition processes.

[@kentcovington]

Thanks for the great explainer AK!

[@AKJoel]

Thanks Kent!

[@BEABE4242]

Que bien Joel qué haces esa aclaración. Porque cuando escuché lo de “ fuera gringos” me quede muy extrañada,no somos así. ❤

[@AKJoel]

Es verdad, los Colombianos son muy hospitalarios y nunca dirían algo así!

[@johnnyrios7597]

Fantastic Video Amigo AK 💯

[@AKJoel]

Cheers Johnny!

[@skyfalldeadpool1633]

Passport bro has ruined ir for all of foreigners

[@Law19157]

Sex tourists are not passport bros, get your facts straight.

[@IffyEdem]

Just because you ruined it doesn’t mean we did 😂

[@gridlock82]

Thank you for clarifying

[@Spenglish]

Great video bro. Keep up the good work.

[@AKJoel]

Thank you mate! Will do!

[@petertrzos6645]

thanks for the informed coverage

[@AKJoel]

Anytime!

[@martymar1964]

I considered Colombia as a place to retire, that is until I saw reports about the rampant violent crime there, such as armed robbery, muggings and murders. Sounds like that hasn't changed much since the Pablo Escobar days or the days of La Violencia. Having to livestream the license plate of a cab in case I get kidnapped doesn't sound like a desirable place to live. No thanks, I'll just go to SE Asia where I don't have to fear for my life just walking alone down the street.

[@NateInYoState]

Thanks for this clarification video

[@AKJoel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tatatat-vm9dl]

People from Medellin have this problem. They don't want people from other parts of the world or even other parts of Colombia in their city. Medellin is only for the "paisas" as we call them. In Colombia we are facing a tremendous political and economic crisis with a high inflation. When these things happen the easiest target to blame is the foreigners. Just take a look at the many "gentrification comentaries" in this video. This is why Bogotá is a much better place to live. It`s a cosmopolitan and multicultural city. People are used to interacting with people from other places of Colombia and the world. The weather is colder and it rains but people don't feel like foreigners or discriminated. It's always important to remember not to do anything inmoral or ilegal in this country. Some people come with the idea that if they show a 100 US dollar bill, they can do anything they want. It's a lack of respect to colombians and you can end up interacting with very dangerous people. Many americans have died while they were involved in ilegal and inmoral activities. You are also risking going to prison. Jails in the US are five star hotels compared to the conditions you have to face if you go to a colombian prison.

[@XLAdvRider]

Thanks for this video. My friends had to close their restaurant (next to Pergamino) because after the mayor closed the streets they saw about a 30% decrease in business.

[@AKJoel]

Damn that's rough! Can't say I understood that rule to be honest...

[@RangeChet-ke6ie]

These Colombians are living illegally in the United States of America and receiving government assistance. We Americans "Gringo's" are buying property, remodeling the property and not asking or receiving anything from the Spanish Conquistador government of Colombia

[@ColombianCode]

Yes, the media (especially social media) paints a false narrative on things... Keep speaking the Truth 💯

[@user-od6vs6zz2r]

First and foremost the clubs in lleras are still open past 1am. Also they started carding anyone coming in which has lasted only a few weeks. Now there is no carding at the entrances. The videos says we dont want you here to the sex tourist so to say they didnt want the gringo there makes no sense when they litterally said that in the video. You also missed on how they blame us for prices rising primarily with housing which is why they want to attack air bnb. You missed many points and your info is based on other media outlets. I watched cops harrass gringos and witnessed a fight between the cops and working girls. You need to do more research.

[@armyguytravels]

And the cops could card the women entering to ensure ages are correct but they never did. I was in PARQUE Lleras visiting a bar owner friend and saw one who was obviously not supposed to be there, I told the police and they said so?

[@mmafan3]

Like a few others have commented, I visited right before the pandemic (Nov 2019) my first and only time to both Medellin and the country in general. I had a great time, as well as positive interaction with locals be it in the malls, restaurants, etc. I did take some chances a couple of nights walking by myself and drinking, but had no issues. Won't do that again, especially in light of what;s been going on as of late. I had even booked a trip to come back in May 2020 when I returned home, but of course that never came to fruition. When I go back remains to be seen, given the current situations, but one day, I will. Great content..

[@AKJoel]

Thanks for your comment, I'm glad you had a great time in Medellin!

[@mmafan3]

@@AKJoel absolutely and thank you for your work...

[@shawnwest84]

I used to love Medellin before Covid. It was an amazing place with a lot of culture and amazing people. Now, the fear of being drugged, robbed, or even having my peace disturbed has made me choose not to return. People work very hard for months to save and travel in peace. I believe the issue is that people need to be held accountable on both sides. Medellin not only has tourism but also a thriving business culture. I think they can get that back, but just like when the cartels were an issue, they need to first make it safe for not only tourists but also the locals. That can only be done by holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions, both foreigners and Colombians alike.

[@AKJoel]

You're right, there's a lot of issues that once dealt with - can take Medellin to new levels.

[@armyguytravels]

Colombians are allergic to accountability. It upsets me because this place could be the top country in Latin America but it won’t be until accountability is had

[@harrydatrannychaserloc9245]

Quit blaming the country it was fine before y'all KZbin losers blew up the spot, so don't pretend it's on them cos it was legit chipp before y'all pookie rats decided "we into latinas now" literally like 2013 it wasn't even a thing for brothers to travel to Latino countries, brothers were into pimpin and copping white girls, now y'all new cats straight tricking to Latino countries, I'm from Compton grape street Crip so I ain't lying bruh,y'all don't even belong in Colombia bruh this literally like passport bros being the modern day Russian bride wedding marketing agencies but y'all exposing yallselves literally😂​@@armyguytravels

[@chrispee5786]

yall are hilarious. How many women and kids have been drugged and killed? or was it just dudes trickin? imagine being surprised that a street girl is up to no good. classic!

[@novelaego2404]

every place was better before covid

[@TonyMatthewsII]

You're downplaying this. I've been all around Colombia and gringos/euros/tourists come strictly for sex. Period. No locals (unless they work in that industry) would tell you they LIKE tourists coming for this... No one ever has walked the streets of Lleras Park and said oh what a lovely street to visit. 🙄. And aside from that, also no Colombian is going to tell you the increase of tourists moving there (thanks to more remote visa flexibility) and their prices increasing they enjoy. Unless let's say they specifically host Airbnb or work off of tips at a more touristy restaurant (or make money off of YouTubing Colombia cough cough). Then they might be ok with it. But you're very much downplaying this issue to a non-issue, which it is an issue.

[@smack770]

You’re absolutely right. The only thing I would modify is “the majority” of gringos/tourists visit for sex.. I’m one of the very rare few that visit to see my girlfriend who I met online a few years ago.

[@AlexanderDominisac-sg4xi]

I live here & have for 2 years. The only places people gave me weird looks were poblado & laureles. Since then living in Sabaneta, no one really bats an eye. Less people care about gringos being here than the media is portraying. Mostly it’s just young people who don’t realize that there are close to 1 million Venezuelans who’ve moved here to Medellin & middle class housing is being soaked up by them. Poblado has always been a premium place to live, which most Colombians couldn’t afford anyway.

[@drumnoise865]

Thanks for explaining this to the world, I'm from Medellin and i know everybody is happy with foreigners having a good time in colombia, it helps the economy, but there is some guys, that think is a no-rules country and because of that a lot of predators just go and want to do everything everywhere with that false sense of immunity just because they are foreigners, they have rules guys, by the government, by society and the most important, in the streets. We don't hate gringos, we hate bad people. And by the way, a message for the (gringos) always ask locals first , stop going with your little camera anywhere, and don't be so naïve, a lot of streamers are going to really heavy areas that even we the locals don't go, easy targets for bad people. Responsibly have fun And always welcome to Colombia

[@vidong1704]

Is the word " foreigner" and " American" synonymous to you?

[@AKJoel]

Thanks for your comment, you said it perfectly here - "We don't hate gringos, we hate bad people."

[@drumnoise865]

@@vidong1704 my bad , i fix it.

[@h1inc816]

No offense but the market is like 95% Colombian men, not foreigners. If you don’t believe me, go to Centro, you won’t see a single gringo in these clubs. I did not. And second, Colombian men also go for younger. During my Uber, my 35 year old Colombian driver as he was stopped at a high school in Medellin, started talking how cute they were and stuff. I said they are like 16. He says, that’s ok, they are basically old enough. I felt pretty uncomfortable. Foreigners who are P… go to Thailand and the Philippines. Those two countries are much more open and willing to look the other way. Colombians, will rat you out and you will have a lot of issues. I am not saying loser guys do not come to Colombia specifically for that but the percentage and raw numbers has to be tiny, and even more tiny when compared to Colombian men interactions

[@S5Dic09]

except in EL Poblado, where the high-end escorts are, which charge unaffordable prices for local, but yes, all in all, the sum of all these red areas, the gringo area is just a fraction of the bigger colombian-man market

[@SK-kh2rs]

Sounds like you went there to fuck girls too 😂 Loads of guys that do come to colombia for sex are coming for girls who are under 14.

[@JasonOwensYT]

​@@SK-kh2rsHe's right it's mostly Colombian men that just don't want competition.

[@duanepadilla2514]

AK Joel, nice job with this video. It was great that you clarified that these other so called news articles weren’t protests against extranjeros. It is a shame when men from the US go to foreign countries believing it is a playground of sorts, for things that are illegal in the US. It is truly a shame and I hope that guy that was in the hot tub with those two young girls gets extradited back to Colombia to face charges. As well as I hope the women who decided to deface the Metro stations also receive a penalty as well, as those stations are kept clean and well maintained..

[@trewhite3155]

This is an example of failed government policy. Banning prostitution in certain areas and making bars and clubs close early has nothing to do with a pedophile attempting to molest children.

[@Colombia_expats]

This is a great video and very well done! Great to support the Colombianos and Colombianas and their safety. We advocate for this all the time as we are foreigners and live in Medellin full time. Although, you are only covering half of the story. What you are talking about is true, what the protestors are talking about doesn't have to do with gringos, but if you are going to make a video about the "gringo hate" then cover both sides of the coin. The "truth" you are speaking of is only relevant to this particular story, not to the whole conversation. Colombians don't want foreigners coming here because they feel we are "gentrifying" Medellin and living costs are going up. Maybe do a video on this to give both perspectives of the title of your video. 😊

[@scottmoering9810]

Why would a man even want to go to Medellin? You will automatically be assumed you are there for segs and Pay for Play. This is very insulting to men that would never pay for segs. As such any man that has any self worth should stay away from Medellin and most of Colombia in general as this is very annoying and offensive to be assigned this title.

[@AKJoel]

This is incorrect. There's plenty of tourists that come here and love it. They're welcomed and helped by Colombians. As long as you're not doing anything stupid, you won't have any issues.

[@scottmoering9810]

@@AKJoel 100% disagree. Again why would you go to a place that assumes you as a man pay for segs? Medellin is such place. The stigma and biases the locals have around gringos/money/pay for play is a hard pass for me. It should be also a hard pass for men that have self respect. Medellin WAS good but now it's ruined and no longer viable for a man from outside their country. Transactional relationships aren't my thing and should never be for higher class male.

[@scottmoering9810]

@@AKJoelThe locsls love them for the money. How naive you are

[@smack770]

@@scottmoering9810 You’re right. He’s in denial and is very biased. He’ll defend Colombia until he eventually becomes a victim.

[@te2219]

Excellent reporting. Thank you

[@AKJoel]

No worries!

[@juandgar82]

Very well explained! Personally, I have many friends from different countries, and they're wonderful people. Many of them are my neighbours, here in La Castellana and Villa de Aburrá.

[@AKJoel]

Exactly, there's plenty of great foreigners with solid values coming to Medellin everyday. It's sad that a few bad apples need to make it hard for the rest of us.

[@lamarreerickson3502]

This is something that was blown out of proportion.

[@AKJoel]

This is what happens when KZbinrs post anything for clicks, do zero research and blatantly mislead people.

[@elrich500]

I hope those feminist take care of the bills of the women who live off being escorts sense they want to protest it

[@curtishawkins717]

I should have went when I had the chance many years ago. Now I’m so over Colombia I don’t even see a Benin going anymore. Too many deaths and too much media BS. I been to 17 countries I got better places that are fun and just better. And I never been to Colombia and never will

[@AKJoel]

Good move, plenty of other places to choose from!

[@Flex60369]

I just had a ball at a Cablagata in Itigue yesterday that I was taken to by a friend. I was treated well everyone was nice and it was a great experience. Been coming here since 2017 and have never been treated badly by the Colombian people.

[@AKJoel]

You're probably a respectful guy who doesn't do shady stuff. Your experience is what most of us expats have with Colombians when we come here - they're super welcoming and friendly towards foreigners who come to Colombia for the right reasons.

[@reycondor8083]

We treat everyone with respect in Colombia. It's the rude arrogant ones we don't like. If you see a gringo complaining of mistreatemen velieve that he was arrogantly rude first.

[@piccolo1906]

times up

[@rehmsmeyer]

@@piccolo1906😂😂😂

[@Lagatitavlogs]

Thank you Joel. As a Colombian woman I appreciate the clarity and explanation you provided about the protests against that type of tourism. How acceptable is that grown up men looks for underage girls? We despise that behavior and those videos are prove of the support colombian communities demand for the protection of all women rights as well as the prevention of abuse. Don't come to Colombia for the reasons explained in the video. Thank you.

[@AKJoel]

Well said, I agree 100%!

[@kcor4]

Every sane person would despise that stuff. Why do those creeps go there? It would seem that it's tolerated more than most places. It would seem that immoral activity is more prevalent in Colombia. Don't like it? Demand your government ends the tolerance of perversity and it will go away.

[@uyonmi3914]

People are avoiding the main problem: gentrification. Illegal prostitution isn't just the only thing that's concerning for people over here, prices are raising, rents are rising and tourism is just making it worse. The economic ramifications of "gringo" presence are too much too just ignore, and this video doesn't seem to talk at all about this.

[@CosmoviZionn]

Agree, that is a problem and the gentrification is hurting locals.

[@justhere2travel]

Great video and just another reason why people need the content on ALL videos online. Closing stores to protest vs protesting "Gringos".... maybe that's a night/day difference.

[@AKJoel]

It's crazy how people will just believe anything on social media these days without checking some facts. SMH

[@armyguytravels]

@@AKJoel true people should not believe everything they hear, but there’s a lot of truth to the recent anti foreigner rhetoric in Colombia. They get mad at outsiders for doing the same things they do and it’s odd

[@Elona.X]

Is not racism. It is a call for justice and to avoid the second colonizing of Colombia. And this is targeted to those tourists who come for party, women and drugs.

[@armyguytravels]

Let’s build a park and put awesome clubs and legal pr&s and then complain when people enjoy it. Sounds very Colombian (lack of accountability)

[@AKJoel]

The park wasn't even build for that purpose...

[@armyguytravels]

@@AKJoel they approved the business permits, built nothing but clubs, legalized prepagos, and allowed the women in the park. What else would the park be for? What was the actual purpose? Now, disclaimer: when I go to Lleras I’ve never partaken in this behavior but how can you blame people for enjoying legal services offered

[@PreciousAfricanStoryz]

Wow… I was confused at first. Thanks

[@AKJoel]

You're welcome!

[@youngblood9654]

Thank you for posting the facts. I live here half the year and locals are very kind even though I'm a gringo. I hope everyone can help end this exploitation of minors! I know a few local mom's that are constantly in fear of the gangs selling their young daughters for sex tourism. Throw everyone in prison that tries to buy minors and soon the local gangs will stop trying to sell them because there's no market for this sinful act!

[@Maybemaybexyz]

Interesting post, while I think you hit some key points. There is a growing thoughts against any tourist going to Medellin specifically. You can see that even online on the FaceBook groups or even the subreddits for Medellin.

[@AKJoel]

There is a section of Medellin residents that aren't happy about the gentrification problem either. But honestly, none of my expat friends here have ever caught any hate for it.

[@smack770]

I have a feeling we haven’t seen anything yet. I predict there will be a high profile case of a missing backpacker or something of the sort in the coming years that will damage Colombia’s reputation. The unfortunate situation of the Hmong man was damaging enough.

[@dca3092]

A lot of my friends out there are definitely angry about the cost of living going up significantly. Many of them have expressed the same frustrations that I had expressed when I left Miami.

[@danielp5317]

​@dca3092 The cost of living is going up all over the world for factors that have nothing to do with Gringo's moving to Medellin. Although yes gringo who buy things at a higher price than the market was prior to the influx of thousands of gringos from the West in particular has driven up things on top of the basic world inflation. All caused by government. In the US and everywhere else even over in Ethiopia everything is going up then you ain't getting no whoremongering over there running rapid. They not going to have that. So Columbians don't think gringos is the prime and only reason your cost of living is going up. Get on the world stage and check out the nations of the world where there is none of this horror migraine and prostitution and street sex workers. On a wide scale global reputation basis. And you will find that even if there was not any gringos in Columbia or Brazil or any other country that has a reputation for sex tourism both domestically and from Gringo's abroad. And you will see that inflation has come about everywhere. It's just that Columbia at least in the tourist areas where 6 tourism thrives. It's getting it from both sides Gringo's raising up the prices. Which the shop owner is and Airbnb owners and restaurants. Landlords and whatever kind of business. Are gladly charging the gringos a higher price. And they don't do not sell or charge local Colombians less than the gringo rate. Because why sell at a Columbian rate when I can get A lot more money selling to these gringos. So you even got the shop owners participated in The increase in things for local Colombians. So that's three sides shop owners and businesses raising prices because they can sell the gringos. And they don't lower their cost because they're going to get more money from the gringos. Global and world inflation which all countries are catching higher cost of living and for products and services, utilities you name it Then gringos willing to pay more money for all these things they need while there in Columbia. You got a three-headed monster of higher prices and inflation all over the average, and poor Colombian

[@user-jm4kc3vh7o]

They are tired of ..being exploited...

[@TRider09]

IDC, Medellín is still a beautiful place to visit and a lot of fun if your seasoned and know what your doing. Night time views of Medallo amazing

[@williamtruesdale2665]

Thanks for cleaning up the rumors

[@AKJoel]

Anytime!

[@user-dk6rw3ud8c]

Mate thanks for clarification. Great synopsis of what’s going on

[@FreedomEveryWay]

One guy fucked it all up for everybody else.

[@AKJoel]

Unfortunately it's much more than one guy. These days it's basically one a month (or more) that are being caught.

[@user-xb6rn7qy2x]

It ain't just one. In general, American "passport bros" have really ruined the fun for a lot of people abroad. You'll see herds of them harassing women and girls and recording people and vlogging things that don't need to be vlogged all over Colombia, Dominican Republic, and other places. Everyone hates them.

[@user-fg4mc5rh1o]

This is has been an on going issue for many years. Local had enough, to many overdose, sex trafficking, tinder kidnapping, organized crime has cause way to much spotlight. With the influence of many tourists has drove up the cost of living, food food, Local are push out. Airbnbs are way over price. I think the mayor put a limit with Airbnbs in the city.

[@GBU61]

@@user-fg4mc5rh1o Those that are moving to Medellin for the intent of living there are going elsewhere once they see all the problems with sex tourism. This is why it is very important to learn Spanish and live somewhere else.

[@harrydatrannychaserloc9245]

​@@user-xb6rn7qy2xliterally Floyd aka Foreign Only was recording himself saying girl is complaining for him to take vid down of her, and he was bragging he smashed police officer lady cop and could have favors done if he needed something taken care of. Anyone doing that in Thailand, mexico or Peru would get banned literally

[@chessking29]

Stop acting like those girls' parents didn't know. It is common for them to use their kids to make money. Who allows their kids to be gone all day and out all hours of the night? Also it is common for the male family members to take adv of the young girls. Colombia is grimey.

[@leslysincere3374]

I was there in February and had zero issues as a black man who speaks C+ Spanish. The people I encountered were super nice and didn't stay out certain areas past dark. Don't attract unnecessary attention, and you'll be straight.

[@Blue_SeaSmoke]

Some of the rants that I hear with my own ears seem to be a mixture of racism and jealousy. I think Colombia's time is almost up.

[@AKJoel]

What did they say?

[@reycondor8083]

Have you tried going to Popayan or Meta in Colombia?

[@inolvidable.]

Don't express conjectures and lies. They are saying "wh0ring gringos go home". That's it. Colombians love foreigners, but not this kind that are converting parque Lleras in an outdoor red zone, when it used to be a super classy party zone. Gring0s have ruined the area.

[@armyguytravels]

@@reycondor8083 or boyaca? It’s so beautiful there

[@obilaand]

Great reporting....

[@AKJoel]

Thank you!

[@DAREDEVILBKLYN]

Gringos and ? Figure the rest out ? A equation that doesn't end well for everyone.

[@getonwithit.2847]

Im glad they are implementing the 1am curfew and banning the prostitution in those areas.I felt much safer walking through poblado without being looked at like a piece of meat by the the prostitutes.

[@tamarindo234]

They act like this in their country, enter the United States & expect the red carpet treatment🤦‍♂️😏

[@waterbug1135]

Reconsider? Left last year. Can't understand why people wait. Plenty of other countries that haven't gone nuts...yet. Crime in Colombia has been increasing for awhile. That was reason enough for me to consider other countries.

[@AKJoel]

The increasing crime isn't completely true, homicides were actually at a historical lows last year in Medellin. But I agree with you, if it becomes stressful for you to live in a certain place - it's a great idea to try somewhere else.

[@chrispee5786]

its been increasing for dudes who mess with hookers. i hope you do kno that the only ones getting deleted are dudes right? no foreign women or kids. BTW "News flash" street workers arent model law abiding citizens in any country.

[@ElizabethPerez-db1xc]

Well done! Thanks

[@docsnake]

I'm not understanding. As an American that's lived in several countries, what is wrong with locals not wanting foreigners to take over their towns, disrupt the culture, and drive up the cost of living so high that only foreigners can now live there? How can that possibly be viewed as xenophobia? Edit; I saw the update. I also agree with the locals and natives on that. Still not xenophobia.

[@AKJoel]

It's definitely NOT xenophobia. That's just what other uninformed social media channels were framing it as. Hence why I made this video to clear up the facts.

[@harrydatrannychaserloc9245]

I went to Thailand finally and my god it was better than Colombia easily it was best trip of my life, Colombia is just a fad and will be over soon, crime is rising and foreigner are target more and more every year , unlike Mexico, Thailand,Peru etc they are getting better while Colombia is turning to the dangerous days pre2015 circa

[@Colombia_expats]

This is so false it's almost comical 🤣🤣

[@anthonyreid1539]

I currently live in Medellin Colombia for the past five years. Always takes one idiot to mess it up for everyone. Its just like any city you to in the world their is good and bad.

[@caribbeanshippercustomerse855]

Great Report 👏

[@AKJoel]

Thank you!

[@marchudson2762]

thank you for explaining. I can understand the colombian's frustration.

[@AKJoel]

Me too, it must be hard to see your city turned into a brothel and broadcast all over KZbin.

[@yamil555]

That was like 2 months, and everything is back to normal. I have a video the day they were protesting in parque lleras, and i was recording and speaking English. The way they looked at me was crazy but when they saw that I was Hispanic, they just turned around. I uploaded that video already

[@Old-soul91]

I've lived in Columbia for. 5 years now and I love living here.❤The foreigners that come here and try to take advantage Of the economy and the young folks because of the financial situations it is discussing.This is such a beautiful country.I wish the people that come here to take advantage of it would stand their own And two those who go to live in another country Or travel in another country Be a good person and people will be good to you❤

[@JayLove-zk7pj]

That’s the facts Joel the mayor clearly stated sex perverts are not welcomed in Medellin. I’m glad he took a stand against foreigners that participate in soliciting prostitution. However, the anger did not start in Medellin. It actually started in bogota. The murder of the young DJ committed by the North American pervert. Thats when the anger actually began throughout Colombia

[@AKJoel]

Yeah that was horrible, I understand their anger!

[@s_t_n_l]

Blaming foreigners for crime and inflation. Classic.

[@renearroyave1888]

That is also the same excuse that some portion of the population of the 1st world countries like U.S.A. uses to justify the racism, xenophobic attitude, hatred crimes toward latinamericans and/or other ethnic minorities when these people migrate to those countries.

[@blackorchid2494]

We do the same in America!

[@chrispee5786]

getting mad or surprised that a sex worker had bad intentions is even more Classic!

[@maos1018]

​@@blackorchid2494he said Classic 😂

[@test-547]

I'm an Australian who is in the process of selling off all my possession here to move to Colombia around October and get an English teaching job. It's not my first time moving to a foreign country to teach. I've previously spent 2 years in Cambodia, 2 years in Thailand and over 10 years in China. I came on KZbin to do some research about where in Colombia I should move to. And all I'm seeing a videos about foreigners getting attacked and murdered there now. Is this situation getting worse? Is it no longer a good idea for me to move there? I've already made arrangements to quit my job etc

[@AKJoel]

Hey mate, come and check it out for yourself. There's thousands of expats living here and millions of foreigners visiting every year that never have any issues.

[@mikejackson1717]

Kinda dont blame them. I've been researching places to retire to. One thing I found out is when i see areas where alot of expats live prices shy rockets. Its a shame

[@AKJoel]

You have a fair point, however none of these protests had anything to do with gentrification.

[@mikejackson1717]

Amen. I've been looking at Panama an it's the same thing. Prices are out of control. Thanks

[@brianevans3634]

Hope that guy rots in jail for ever

[@84jamesp]

Mob rule you must protest with us

[@MrElwoodBluez]

good stuff joe

[@EricF647]

Thank you 🫶

[@AKJoel]

Anytime!

[@Law19157]

The age of consent in Columbia is already a crazy young age of 14, the fact that guy wanted girls even younger is wild.

[@AKJoel]

I'm pretty sure that only applies if the partner is within 2 years.

[@ennui5]

I only go to Cartagena…I like the colonial history and the people are friendlier

[@deanfirnatine7814]

"Lack of evidence" sounds like US prosecutors.

[@nicholasnino529]

Nice and balanced review.

[@alr6111]

Youre just finding out that Colombia is racist 😂😂😂😂😂

[@AKJoel]

I've actually found it to be much less racist than my country, Australia lol

[@jvhamby5]

I enjoy spending time with my girl there. I didn’t find anyone negative toward me last time I was there.

[@Marriage-Reset]

All your content makes me want to cancel my trip lol

[@AKJoel]

😅😅😅 sorry mate

[@mrxiong2567]

Go for the rich culture and language experience and avoid just going to Parque Lleras like many of these gringos.

[@mikeb2611]

​@@mrxiong2567suuuuuure

[@kennybarrero3690]

Finally Colombians 🇨🇴 treating Americans at their home....the same way Americans treat Colombians in the USA 🇺🇸...WHAT A JOYFUL SIGHT

[@Rainy_Day12234]

Don’t hate all foreigners because of a few bad ones.

[@user-zd5hy6bn7u]

tell that to racist, about people in the hood !

[@AKJoel]

Good point - and as evidenced in this video, they aren't hating all foreigners. Just the bad ones.

[@pedro14275]

Las personas que crean caos en Colombia son los votantes de Petro, son personas que no piensan. Lógicamente los turistas son bienvenidos y son muy importantes.

[@NLS4REAL]

It's problematic and condescending, It's a service the country provides due to a low economy, So why express anger towards tourists? Do they protest against tourists traveling there for drugs? I don't see that happening anytime soon, but fix your countries sex worker problem from within control your people before you control the tourists that visit your country, Just my opinion.

[@harrydatrannychaserloc9245]

Even in cities in USA prostitution goes on and it's still frowned upon. Why are you surprised men paying for sex that stand out or easily noticeable are not respected? It's literally reality

[@user-rw311]

How is this guy not in a Colombian prison

[@iounothing4urtime]

Thank you for this video! As an a person from the US that has invested heavily in Colombia (Medellin) it was needed. I wish you and Medellin the best and look forward to many more positive interactions in the beautiful city!

[@piccolo1906]

please divest

[@MorriganCrowley]

It is not racism sadly they have earn the spot light.