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One of the legal proceedings against the Cuban reggaeton artist Yosvany Sierra Hernández, better known as Chocolate MC, was postponed this Wednesday after a key hearing was canceled due to the lack of witnesses.
The session aimed to make progress in the case in which he is accused of inciting a conspiracy to commit the murder-for-hire of Damian Valdez, who is also accused of the death of the reggaeton artist El Taiger.
The new court hearing has been rescheduled for October 17, as confirmed by Chocolate's lawyer, Adolfo Gil, outside the Miami-Dade County courthouse.
"He is going to be released", Gil stated, optimistic about the direction the case will take.
"He has changed as a person; he is on the path of God."
Despite having to appear in person before the judge, Chocolate MC did not attend the court date, which created uncertainty even among his close associates.
Chocolate's partner, Yelena Ramírez, did attend court and provided statements to the press.
"I was waiting for him to come to court today, but he didn't show up; we don't know what's going on. He's a little nervous, but everything is fine," he said.
The young woman reaffirmed her full support for the artist, stating that he is undergoing a personal transformation process.
"He has changed a lot; even his family is surprised. He has changed as a person, and now he is on the paths of God. Completely devoted."
He also took the opportunity to send a message to the followers of the reggaeton artist: "Support him. Right now he needs everyone's support. He has changed a lot. He is a new man. Everyone deserves a second chance."
Ramírez was adamant in his decision to stay by his side, regardless of the judicial situation. "I have said in various interviews that I will never leave him alone," he stated.
According to what was revealed, they plan to leave Miami once Chocolate regains his freedom, as part of a broader life change.
Previous appearance in August
In August, Chocolate had already appeared in court for this case.
He was seen wearing the red uniform designated for high-risk inmates, handcuffed, with his hands chained to his waist and shackles on his feet; an image that the reggaeton artist's sister, Isis Arislén Sierra, described at that time as "very sad."
Chocolate MC faces serious charges for allegedly threatening and attempting to recruit third parties via social media with the goal of killing Damian Valdez Galloso, who is accused of the murder of El Taiger.
Beyond the legal aspect, the artist's entourage asserts that the current confinement has brought about a profound transformation in Chocolate's outlook on life.
“The first thing I can tell you is that he was completely devoted to God, he has immense faith, and he tells me that when he gets out, everyone will see a completely different person. I do not lose faith,” his sister Isis assured in August while discussing Chocolate's emerging religiosity.
He recalled that his brother was admitted to the Mazorra psychiatric hospital in Cuba due to mental health issues and addictions; and he said that the treatments he is receiving in prison are now helping him "much more."
The current representative of Chocolate MC, Daniel Llorente—known among Cubans as "the man with the flag"—has also confirmed this spiritual shift.
According to Llorente, the reggaeton artist is determined to return to music, but with a radically different message.
"As he says, he is going to 'hit the Bible', creating psalms in the style of his distribution, just like he does," he commented a few weeks ago. And he concluded emphatically: "He will continue to be the king, but this time announcing Jesus Christ."
Current situation: Detained for another case
Chocolate MC remains in custody for another unrelated charge.
He was arrested on June 2nd, accused of kidnapping and threatening a fan with a firearm, who was held for several hours. Although it was confirmed that the weapon was fake, the charges filed include kidnapping and armed robbery.
At the hearing on June 5, Judge Mindy S. Glazer determined that he would not be entitled to bail, considering that he violated the conditions of a previous release. During the hearing, the reggaeton artist denied being mentally unstable.
This process adds to an already extensive legal history: it is the fifth case opened in Florida and his ninth arrest in eight years.
Chocolate MC, 34 years old, has been an influential yet controversial figure in the Cuban urban genre.
His career has been marked by musical successes, but also by repeated conflicts with the law: domestic violence, drug possession, disorderly conduct, and now an accusation of conspiracy to commit murder.
This Wednesday, when the hearing for Chocolate was canceled, a crucial hearing also took place in the case of Damian Valdez Galloso regarding the murder of El Taiger. In that case, the assigned judge set the trial to begin on October 8.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Chocolate MC Legal Case
Why was Chocolate MC's court hearing cancelled?
The hearing was canceled due to the lack of witnesses, according to reports. This session aimed to advance the case in which he is accused of inciting a plot for the contract killing of Damian Valdez. The meeting has been rescheduled for October 17.
What is the current status of Chocolate MC in his legal proceedings?
Chocolate MC remains in custody for another independent case, in which he faces charges of kidnapping and armed robbery, although the weapon used was fake. He is not eligible for bail due to violating the conditions of a previous release.
How has incarceration influenced Chocolate MC's personal life?
According to his environment, Chocolate MC has undergone a significant personal transformation, drawing closer to religion and showing a change in his outlook on life. His partner and his representative have highlighted his dedication to God and a possible shift in his musical focus towards messages of faith.
What legal repercussions does Chocolate MC face if found guilty?
Chocolate MC faces serious charges, including death threats and conspiracy to commit murder, which could lead to a life sentence if he is found guilty. These charges add to his extensive legal history in the United States.
What changes has Chocolate MC announced in his music career?
Chocolate MC plans to return to music with a different approach, incorporating religious messages into his songs. His representative has mentioned that the reggaeton artist wants to "hit the Bible," creating psalms in the style of his usual repertoire.
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