The Venezuelan comedian George Harris has received strong support from Cuban artists following his controversial performance at the International Song Festival of Viña del Mar 2025, where he was booed by the audience and had to leave the stage earlier than expected.
Various figures from the entertainment world have expressed their solidarity with Harris, who, following his unsuccessful performance at the festival, wrote on his social media: "I did what I could, my people. I'm very sorry. I love you."
One of the first to speak out was Cuban comedian Javier Berridy, who published on his Instagram account: "I offer my full support to @elgeorgeharris, whom I greatly admire as a comedian and respect a lot for the work he does. For me, he is currently one of the best Latino comedians out there; it's a shame there are a few who don't know how to appreciate his brilliance on stage."
The Cuban actress Zajaris Fernández also sent a message of support: "@elgeorgeharris YOU ARE A TREASURE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ART AND FOR INSPIRING AND ENTERTAINING MANY."
For their part, the comedic duo Los Pichy Boys expressed their support with an emotional message: "Always with you, brother, we love you so much @elgeorgeharris. You are the greatest of all of us, the flag of Latin humor in the world. Those of us who applaud you are more!".
Another notable reaction came from the renowned Cuban actress Beatriz Valdés, who in a lengthy post criticized the hostility that Harris faced at the festival: "What sadness in these times when 'the system' validates the gerund of violence in all its forms, like the dishonor last night in Viña del Mar against the ambassador of noble laughter, George Harris."
The presenter and announcer Enrique Santos also praised the Venezuelan comedian: "George Harris is a true master of comedy, an unparalleled talent who with his wit and charisma has managed to unite generations and cultures through laughter. May we never be without @elgeorgeharris!"
The controversy in Viña del Mar
The incident occurred during Harris's performance in Viña del Mar, when a segment of the audience began to boo him and constantly interrupt his performance. Despite his attempts to continue with his show, the hostility did not stop, and the comedian chose to leave the stage earlier than planned. Before departing, he expressed his disappointment with the phrase, "What a shame that the bad guys always win."
The controversy surrounding Harris had been brewing months before her appearance, when old comments of hers about Chilean political figures such as Salvador Allende and Gabriel Boric resurfaced on social media. This sparked a heated debate and led some groups to call for her performance at the festival to be canceled.
The event director, Álex Hernández, defended Harris and attributed the negative reaction to "a small group of misplaced Chileans" who, according to him, organized to sabotage the comedian's routine. He also denounced the presence of xenophobic attitudes toward the Venezuelan audience present at the event.
Despite the controversy, Harris has received support from her community and colleagues in the entertainment world, who highlight her talent and the importance of her humor for the Latin diaspora.
Frequently Asked Questions about the George Harris Controversy in Viña del Mar
What happened to George Harris at the Viña del Mar Festival 2025?
George Harris was booed by the audience during his performance at the Viña del Mar Festival 2025, which led him to leave the stage earlier than expected. The hostility was partly due to prior comments he had made about Chilean political figures.
How have Cuban artists reacted to the situation of George Harris?
Various Cuban artists such as Javier Berridy, Zajaris Fernández, and Los Pichy Boys have shown their support for George Harris, highlighting his talent and lamenting the negative reaction he faced. They believe that Harris is a notable representative of Latino humor and have expressed their solidarity through social media.
What did the festival director say about the controversy with George Harris?
The event director, Álex Hernández, defended George Harris, attributing the negative reaction to a "small group of misplaced Chileans" who organized to sabotage his performance. He also mentioned xenophobic attitudes toward the Venezuelan audience present.
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