Arts & Entertainment
Ricky Martin calls for Puerto Rico governor’s resignation over profane messages
Bad Bunny, Lin-Manuel Miranda also denounce Ricardo Rosselló
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.”
Las expresiones compartidas en un chat por parte del Gobernador de Puerto Rico @ricardorosello y coreadas por otros funcionarios públicos en lo que a todas luces era una discusión de sus ejecutorias en el Gobierno y no de asuntos privados como se intenta dejar ver,
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) July 13, 2019
es completamente repudiable y denotan el carácter y personalidad intolerante, arrogante, prepotente, homofóbica, machista y violenta de cada uno.
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) July 13, 2019
NO podemos permitir que nuestro Puerto Rico esté en manos de tales “líderes”
Precisamente porque sus comentarios fueron hechos en la intimidad queda demostrado de que esta hecho. Es en la intimidad donde se vive con la verdad e integridad que nos define y la suya esta lejos de ser una vertical y admirable.
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) July 13, 2019
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.”
#PuertoRico nos vemos mañana en el la marcha a ls 5pm frente al Capitolio pic.twitter.com/4cZM1KF3Kn
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) July 17, 2019
Singer Bad Bunny, who is currently on tour, will pause his shows to join the protests.
MERA PUERTO RICO!! ?? voy a bajar pa’ la isla y me gustaría verlos conmigo y con los que ya salieron pa’ la calle!! Esta gente piensa que tenemos miedo y vamos a demostrarle que estan bien equivocados!! VAMOS PA’ ENCIMA PUÑETA!!!
— ? (@sanbenito) July 15, 2019
Miranda also called for the governor’s resignation.
#RenunciaRossello https://t.co/MJEyrcYpe5
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 16, 2019
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Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
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.
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.
“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.