Venezuelan singer José Luis Rodríguez, known as "El Puma," was removed from an American Airlines flight at Quito Airport in Ecuador following an alleged confrontation with crew members before takeoff on November 24, bound for Miami.
Footage circulating on social media shows the 82-year-old performer speaking with passengers, stating he "doesn't feel well." In response, the pilot firmly says, "Get off my plane right now! You can't behave like this in front of everyone; you were very rude to our crew."
Journalist Jessica Rodríguez reported on the program Despierta América that the incident seemed to be a misunderstanding that quickly escalated.
Witnesses claim the singer misunderstood the crew's request to properly stow his luggage, leading to his expulsion by the pilot, as explained by Rodríguez.
Beatriz Parga, the artist's former manager, also shared her account of the incident.
She mentioned that a fellow passenger became upset over a bag Rodríguez was carrying, which contained essential medications he needs following a double lung transplant in 2017.
"El Puma explained he couldn't be separated from the bag because it held his medicine, but the passenger complained, creating tension with the crew," Parga stated.
Meanwhile, Argentine newspaper El Clarín suggested the disagreement began when the singer placed his luggage in an overhead bin far from his seat. When asked to relocate it, "El Puma" insisted he wasn't feeling well and emphasized the necessity of the medical contents in the bag.
The incident occurred just days after "El Puma" made a public appearance amid the turmoil surrounding the death of his alleged unrecognized son, "El Puma Jr.," a topic that has kept the singer's family on edge.
Understanding the Incident Involving José Luis Rodríguez "El Puma"
What led to José Luis Rodríguez being removed from the plane?
The removal of José Luis Rodríguez from the plane was reportedly due to a misunderstanding about his luggage, which contained vital medications. The situation escalated when a passenger complained, leading to tension with the crew.
What was the response of the pilot to the incident?
The pilot reacted firmly, instructing Rodríguez to disembark due to his perceived rude behavior towards the crew.
Why was the singer's bag so important?
The bag was crucial because it contained medications necessary for Rodríguez's health, following a double lung transplant he underwent in 2017.