Christian Nodal's 'Un Vals' Music Video Sparks Controversy: Director Responds to Model Resemblance
The director of Christian Nodal's "Un Vals" music video addresses the controversy surrounding the casting of a model who bears a striking resemblance to both Cazzu and Ángela Aguilar.
The music video for “Un Vals” has ignited a social media firestorm, primarily due to the perceived resemblance of the lead model to both Cazzu, Nodal's ex-partner, and Ángela Aguilar, his current wife.
Director Juan Antonio Barbazán addressed the controversy during a virtual press conference from Madrid, stating, “It was our mistake not to realize this could happen.” The conference included Billboard Español and other select media outlets.
Barbazán clarified, “JG Music approved the video, not Christian Nodal,” referring to the singer’s record label.
The music video, released on April 9th, employs a split-screen format. Nodal is seen singing on the left, while a love story unfolds on the right. Nodal filmed his portion in Guadalajara, Mexico, while the models were filmed in Spain.
The model at the center of the controversy, Dagna Mata, a Mexican content creator based in Madrid, has faced criticism on social media. She addressed the situation in an Instagram video, stating, “I hope the focus remains on what it is — a job — because I wouldn’t want to hurt anyone.”
Mata further expressed, “It hurts me to see an artist involved who doesn’t deserve any of this and shouldn’t be compared to anyone else either. I had to emigrate from a country to achieve my dream of modeling and growing in the fashion industry.”
Amidst the controversy, Nodal shared an Instagram Story, stating, “I don’t own my name, my image, or my music, and what has happened with the video is proof of that… But my voice, which is the only thing I have left, will always belong to you.”
A representative for Nodal and JG Music, owned by the singer’s father, Jaime González, stated that neither would be making further statements.
Here are key excerpts from the director's statement:
Are Christian Nodal’s music videos your responsibility?
For this project, we worked on two complex videos and five simpler ones using a split-screen format, like in “Un Vals.”
Who is in charge of casting?
The production company handled the casting. We were looking for Mexican actresses in Spain and chose Dagna.
Did Christian approve the actress for the video?
No, we always choose the actors. Christian didn’t see her. The resemblance to Cazzu and Ángela Aguilar slipped past us. It wasn't a strategy.
Was all of this planned as a marketing strategy?
This damages us. It was never the intention. The production staff didn’t even know who Cazzu was.
Who makes decisions about Christian’s videos?
In this case, the client is JG Music. We deliver the videos to them and assume they’re approved.
Does Christian have any specific requests for the themes of his videos?
He made it clear that he doesn’t want his personal life involved in the videos. They should be artistic and related solely to the song's theme.
Did Christian say anything to you after the controversy?
Yes, he sent me a message saying, “It seems like you hate me; you’ve gotten me into a big mess.”
Are you aware of the impact the video caused?
Completely, and I accept responsibility. But ultimately, we all end up hurt.
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