The Cuban singer Dianelys Alfonso Cartaya, widely recognized by her stage name La Diosa, recently took the stand as a witness in the trial of reggaeton artist Chocolate MC. She criticized the prosecution for severely limiting her testimony, preventing her from providing the jury with a comprehensive view of the accused's personal and professional circumstances.
After the court session, La Diosa expressed her frustration to journalist Javier Díaz of Univision 23, stating that she was "barely allowed to speak" and could only respond to basic questions about her initial acquaintance with the artist. This restriction hindered her from sharing crucial insights into Chocolate MC's mental health, rehabilitation efforts, and the influence of social media on the urban music scene.
Understanding the Artist's World
The singer emphasized her desire to communicate the realities of the artistic domain to the judge, particularly how artists navigate the digital landscape, to provide a more balanced view of Chocolate MC's behavior.
"A real criminal acts, not just talks," she remarked, highlighting the distinction between online bravado and actual criminal behavior.
La Diosa left the courtroom feeling dissatisfied, lamenting the jury's inability to hear the full story of an individual who, she insisted, was not in a stable state of mind.
Efforts to Help Chocolate MC
During her testimony, she highlighted her attempts, alongside family and fellow artists such as Otaola and Osmani García, to facilitate Chocolate MC's rehabilitation. She recounted a particularly "complicated" night when they took him to a rehab center that reportedly had "more drugs than the street" and poor living conditions. Despite these issues, Chocolate MC was willing to stay if she deemed it necessary.
Faced with high treatment costs, she proposed a fundraising campaign, but Chocolate MC declined, not wanting to involve his fans. To La Diosa, this demonstrated that "beneath all his madness, he had principles."
Chocolate MC's Struggles Revealed
La Diosa described Chocolate MC as a "sick man" whose deterioration was evident in public. She recounted his suicide attempt in jail using a sheet and an incident where he was beaten and humiliated by other men, to which he responded only with a song ("Penco pero con talento").
When questioned about threats against Damián Valdez Galloso, she asserted that, based on her extensive knowledge of Chocolate MC, "he would harm himself before attacking someone else."
Having known Yosvanis for over 15 years, she acknowledged that while "he is not a role model," he is "not a murderer." She expressed frustration at being unable to fully convey to the jury the musician's genuine desire to heal, the failed rehabilitation attempts, and the need for the court to differentiate between showbiz antics and criminal actions.
The trial concluded with the jury finding Yosvanis Sierra Hernández, also known as Chocolate MC, guilty of "writing or publishing direct threats" against Damián Valdez Galloso. As the case moves to the sentencing phase, Judge Milton Hirsch has hinted that the punishment could be as severe as life imprisonment.
Key Questions About Chocolate MC's Trial
What were the limitations placed on La Diosa's testimony?
La Diosa's testimony was restricted by the prosecution, allowing her to only answer basic questions about how she knew Chocolate MC, without elaborating on his mental health and rehabilitation efforts.
How did La Diosa try to help Chocolate MC?
La Diosa, along with other artists and family members, attempted to get Chocolate MC into rehabilitation, even visiting a center with poor conditions. They considered fundraising for treatment, but he declined to involve his fans.
What was Chocolate MC convicted of?
Chocolate MC was found guilty of "writing or publishing direct threats" against Damián Valdez Galloso.