Judge Issues Stern Warning to Reggaeton Artist Chocolate on First Day of Trial

The trial of Cuban reggaeton artist Yosvanis Sierra Hernández, better known by his stage name Chocolate MC, kicked off on Monday in Miami, amidst intense media scrutiny. The proceedings were marked by a stern warning from the presiding judge regarding death threats allegedly made against Damian Valdez.

On the opening day, Judge Milton Hirsch cautioned Chocolate that a guilty verdict could result in a life sentence, as reported by local media outlets. Witnesses in the courtroom noted that the judge explicitly asked if Chocolate understood the seriousness of his legal predicament. The artist, appearing solemn, affirmed that he did.

Chocolate, clad in a blue suit and red tie, listened quietly as the charges were read. He confirmed to the judge that his attorney had explained each accusation, although he remarked that they "made no sense."

The legal proceedings stem from allegations by the Miami-Dade County Prosecutor's Office that the artist had posted messages on social media offering money to anyone who would harm Damian Valdez Galloso, implicated in the murder of fellow musician José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger.

In these messages, Chocolate allegedly wrote phrases like "If the police don't kill you, we will" and "A hundred thousand dollars for your head," accompanied by emojis and references to the supposed gang ZMF.

Judge Hirsch ruled that such posts are not protected under the First Amendment, describing them as "true threats" and a "direct call to violence" against an identifiable individual. The prosecution argued that the artist's messages posed a tangible threat to the safety of Valdez Galloso.

Defense attorney Adolfo Gil, however, claimed that his client "had no real intent to cause harm," explaining that the posts were impulsive and the result of "an altered emotional state." He emphasized that Chocolate reacts "from emotion and pain, not violence," and noted that his language is part of the persona he crafts in his music.

A Trial Shaped by Personal Drama

During Monday's hearing, a video recorded in April was unveiled, showing Chocolate MC himself asking for help to deal with his addiction issues. In the footage, the artist confessed to having "recurring thoughts of suicide" and having attempted to take his own life.

"I need to talk to a psychologist every day," Chocolate stated, admitting to having used crack cocaine since the age of 16. The video was presented as evidence of his emotional vulnerability and the need for specialized medical attention.

Chocolate's sister, Isis Arislén Sierra, expressed faith in a just outcome as she left the courtroom, stating that the artist has turned to God. "I feel at peace because I know God is in control of everything," she told local media.

His current representative, Daniel Llorente, viewed the legal proceedings as a chance to redeem the artist. "Unfortunately, fame led him down the wrong path early on," Llorente commented.

The family maintains that the musician's struggles are closely tied to his drug addiction and a history of fragile mental health. They noted his recent embrace of the Christian faith and his plea for assistance in starting rehabilitation.

Crucial Testimony Missing from the Trial

A notable aspect of the trial is the absence of Damian Valdez Galloso, the alleged target of the threats, who opted to invoke his Fifth Amendment right and not testify. Valdez Galloso is concurrently facing a separate trial for homicide, and his decision to remain silent is seen as a move to avoid self-incrimination.

The defense argues that his absence is significant, as the lack of direct testimony from the purported victim removes what attorney Gil described as "a vital piece" for contextualizing his client's words. However, the prosecution insists that digital evidence and social media records are sufficient to uphold the threat charges.

The trial will proceed in the coming days with the presentation of electronic evidence, expert testimonies, and potential mental health assessments.

Chocolate MC: Navigating Music, Addiction, and Legal Battles

At 34, Chocolate MC is confronting one of the most challenging periods of his life. A prominent figure in Cuban reggaeton and a controversial persona within the urban genre, his career is a blend of musical success and legal turmoil.

The artist remains detained in Miami on an unrelated matter, stemming from his June 2 arrest. He was accused of kidnapping and threatening a fan with a firearm. Although it was later established that the weapon was fake, charges include armed robbery and unlawful detention.

During a June 5 hearing, Judge Mindy S. Glazer denied bail, citing a violation of prior release conditions. In that session, Chocolate denied being "mentally unstable," though he admitted to experiencing bouts of substance abuse and emotional instability.

This latest trial adds to a lengthy legal history: it's his fifth open case in Florida and his ninth arrest in eight years. Previous charges include domestic violence, disorderly conduct, and drug possession.

Despite these issues, his cultural impact on Cuban urban music remains undeniable. With lyrics reflecting marginalization, rootlessness, and neighborhood pride, Chocolate MC has established himself as a significant force in the "reparto" subgenre of reggaeton, while also being one of its most contentious figures.