Karaoke singers, be warned! This next story shows what can happen when you sing certain songs horribly.
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Police in the Dominican Republic have arrested Amarilis Brito Rodríguez. The 64-year-old woman recently went viral for her rendition of her country's national anthem at a local restaurant called "Mofongo & Variedades Eddy."
The song was sung to a high-tempo urban genre called dembow. As the New York Post reports, a police report issued on Tuesday accuses Rodríguez of disrespecting the anthem for performing it in the style she did.
The Karaoke Singer Apologized for Her Performance
In the clip, Rodríguez holds the microphone with one hand. She raises her other hand to emphasize each word. As she swayed to the music, some of the audience joined in, singing along with her.
Police said they located the karaoke singer a few days later at her home in the city of San Victor. She was arrested on Monday.
She told reporters, "Sorry, sorry," as she was led into a government building handcuffed.
What Is the Law Regarding the National Anthem?
Rodríguez claims she wrote her version of the national anthem 22 years ago. She said there was no law back then forbidding her interpretation and was unaware she had made a mistake.
"I used the anthem's verses to express my free spirit," she said to reporters. "I comply with what the law says, but I don't regret it because I don't feel I did any harm."
However, police say the karaoke singer disobeyed Article 37 of Law 210-19 regarding national symbols in the Dominican Republic. It "defines acts of outrage against our National Anthem."
The law states that it is unlawful to change the lyrics or tempo of the national anthem. That includes transforming it into a danceable piece of music or a dance while it is being performed. It is also illegal to sing or play it at a posthumous ceremony of an individual who lacks certain attributes.
When asked if she would apologize to her country, the karaoke singer smiled and said, "Forgive me, my country, forgive me in every way I need to ask."
If Rodríguez is found guilty, she could face a fine and several months in prison.
