Mother of Cuban Artist Chocolate MC Calls Verdict an "Injustice That Tightens My Chest"

Odalis Hernández, the mother of Cuban reggaeton artist Yosvanis Sierra Hernández, who is widely known as Chocolate MC, expressed her distress and outrage following a Miami jury's verdict that found her son guilty of "writing or publishing direct threats" against Damián Valdez Galloso, the accused in the death of musician El Taiger.

During an interview with journalist Javier Díaz, Hernández firmly stated that her son is neither violent nor a killer, and she labeled the judicial process as unjust. "My son doesn't have a penny. Even if he did, he wouldn't harm a fly, and everyone knows that. My son is not a murderer," she said, visibly shaken.

Hernández believes her son has been wrongly accused, and she worries for his safety following the court's decision. She emphasized the pain this ordeal has brought upon her family, stating, "I am not well; this is an injustice that tightens my chest," she lamented.

She explained to the court that she had provided the attorney with medical documents indicating Chocolate MC's history of mental health and addiction issues. "From the beginning, I handed over medical records. He was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward, in Mazorra, in the Paredes ward. With all this evidence, we expected a favorable outcome," she recounted.

Hernández expressed her dissatisfaction with the defense attorney's performance, stating that he failed to present the evidence she provided. "My son told me the lawyer did a terrible job, if not any at all. While the prosecutors spoke for thirty minutes, he barely spoke for three. My son saw him writing in a notebook and later hugging the prosecutor. I don't understand that," she said.

She described the trial as "manipulated" and claimed her son did not receive adequate defense. "It was an unfair trial. I submitted medical reports and a letter from his childhood pediatrician to show that he always had psychosocial issues, not to be judged so harshly."

Regarding a video presented by the prosecution, showing the artist claiming to have money to pay for Valdez's death, the mother stressed that her son lacked such resources and that his social media posts were part of his persona. "My son didn't have money. Saying he had a million dollars was part of the entertainment. He treated social media like a game. Inside, he's just a child with mental and drug issues. It's an injustice," she insisted.

Hernández is now seeking a new attorney and is considering public assistance to cover legal fees. "I don't have the means to hire a criminal lawyer, but I will not accept this injustice. I will fight with all my remaining strength because my son needs treatment, not punishment."

She also highlighted that her son had sought help for rehabilitation, which is supported by a video where he admits his drug use since age 16. "My son wanted to go into treatment. The place they took him to smelled of urine, lacked conditions, yet he wanted to stay. But they asked for money we didn't have. How could he have money for murder?" she questioned.

Through tears, she reiterated that her son is ill and needs treatment. "I am aware of everything that has happened; I'm not justifying anything, but it's important to consider that my son is very sick from drug use. What they've done to him is an injustice, and I won't accept it," she affirmed.

The jury, composed of four men and three women, found Chocolate MC guilty. The prosecution's main evidence was a video where the artist allegedly offered $100,000 to arrange Valdez's murder from jail. The defense argued the video was an impulsive, emotional outburst from an artist grappling with addiction and mental health issues. Judge Milton Hirsch warned that the charge could lead to a life sentence, with sentencing expected soon.

The case has sparked significant reaction in the Cuban music community. La Diosa, who attended the trial as a witness, regretted not being able to testify freely, insisting that Chocolate is not a murderer but a sick man in need of help. She shared details of her testimony and Chocolate's attempts at rehabilitation in a subsequent interview.

Artist's girlfriend Yelena Ramírez responded to the verdict by stating, "He hasn't killed anyone," and called the process unjust. Meanwhile, reggaeton artist Yomil Hidalgo surprisingly expressed empathy with a social media message: "You don't deserve this sentence."

Presenter Alex Otaola remarked that the singer "did not take advantage of the opportunities this country offered," while acknowledging his illness and the necessity for medical care.

The case is now in the sentencing phase, overseen by Judge Milton Hirsch, who will determine the final sentence in the coming days. Meanwhile, the reggaetonero's mother is calling for the trial to be reviewed: "My son is not a murderer; he needs treatment."