Connect with us

Arts & Entertainment

Ricky Martin calls for Puerto Rico governor’s resignation over profane messages

Bad Bunny, Lin-Manuel Miranda also denounce Ricardo Rosselló

Published

on

Ricky Martin, concert, gay news, Washington Blade
Ricky Martin, concert, gay news, Washington Blade
Ricky Martin. (Photo courtesy Fly-Life Inc.)

Ricky Martin announced he will be joining a protest on Wednesday calling for the resignation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló.

889 pages of a group chat from the app Telegram between Rosselló and members of his administration were leaked on Saturday. The messages were filled with profane, homophobic and sexist comments and made references to other political leaders and Puerto Rican celebrities Ricky Martin, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bad Bunny.

Puerto Rico Chief Financial Office Christian Sobrino said of Martin, “Nothing says patriarchal oppression like Ricky Martin. He is such a male chauvinist that he fu*ks men because women don’t measure up. Pure patriarchy.”

Sobrino has since apologized and resigned.

In another message, Rosselló refers to former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito as the Spanish word for “whore.” Rosselló apologized for the messages and stated he would be asking members who were involved in the messages to step down.

“Aware that the current environment cannot be maintained, I have communicated to all the other public officials involved in the chat that I will have to dispense with their services and/or their advice,” he said in the statement,” Rosselló said in a statement via the Washington Post. “This is a very painful situation for me, as Governor, as a human being and as a Puerto Rican,” Rosselló said. “But I recognize there is no other way out and there is no worthwhile forgiveness on my part that does not include corrections and clear signs of intent to change.”

Despite the backlash, Rosselló says he will not be resigning.

“I’m the governor of Puerto Rico, but I’m a human being who has his faults,” Rosselló said at a press conference. “I ask for forgiveness.”

Martin implored Rosselló to resign on Twitter.

“Do an act of true generosity, worth and love for Puerto Rico and give your position to another person with the wisdom and leadership to direct your destiny as a people,” Martin tweeted in Spanish. “Precisely because your comments were made in the privacy is shown of what you are made off. It is in the privacy where you live with the truth and integrity that defines us and yours is far from being a vertical and admirable.”

On Tuesday, Martin announced he would be joining the protest on Wednesday writing “See you tomorrow at the march at 5pm in front of the Capitol.”

Singer Bad Bunny, who is currently on tour, will pause his shows to join the protests.

Miranda also called for the governor’s resignation.

.

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Out & About

Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth

Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party

Published

on

Sarah McBride is scheduled to deliver keynote remarks at the Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party on May 17 in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade file photo by Daniel Truitt)

The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del. 

It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).

McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth. 

Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.

Continue Reading

Out & About

Andy Cohen coming to D.C.

‘Real Housewives’ producer to return to Sixth & I

Published

on

Andy Cohen

Andy Cohen, executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host of “Watch What Happens Live,” will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.

This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Daddy Diaries,” talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.

Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings.

Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

Continue Reading

Bars & Parties

Want to dance for a good cause?

Artists Mercedes and Desto host a queer party

Published

on

(Image via Eventbrite)

“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sign Up for Weekly E-Blast

Follow Us @washblade

Advertisement

Popular