Bad Bunny, Residente, Daddy Yankee, and More Artists Call For Peaceful Puerto Rico Protests
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Bad Bunny, Residente, Daddy Yankee, iLe, Ricky Martin, and more of Puerto Rico's music royalty have been calling for governor Ricardo Rosselló's resignation and urging the people to join the protests in front of his house. It all began last week, when Puerto Rico's Center For Investigative Journalism published 889 pages of a private chat between the governor and 11 of his top aides and cabinet members.
Officials who were in the chat and were still in the administration submitted their resignations as the messages included profanity-laced, misogynistic, and homophobic comments aimed at opposition politicians, journalists, and celebrities, and cruel, mocking remarks about the deaths following Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island in September 2017, among other topics.
The leaks came the same week that two former officials from Rosselló's administration were arrested by the FBI as part of a federal corruption investigation. The governor's excuse over the chats was that they were private remarks made as a way to blow off some steam after long days of work, but this incident plus previous FBI arrests created an uproar, and Puerto Ricans demanded that he step down. Rosselló announced he would not resign Tuesday, hours after police fired tear gas into crowds of protesters.
Meanwhile, major Puerto Rican celebrities have been urging people to take action, to join the protests peacefully, and to demand Rosselló's resignation. Some of the stars are even saying they will personally join in. The hashtag #RickyRenuncia (Resign Ricky) was trending worldwide on Monday, and Residente, Bad Bunny and iLe even released a song called "Afilando los Cuchillos" (Sharpening the Knives), calling out the hypocrisy of Rosselló's government and mentioning how he's been lying to the people of Puerto Rico.
Keep scrolling to see some how artists have been supporting the Puerto Rican protests and calling for the resignation of Ricardo Rosselló.
Daddy Yankee
Daddy Yankee showed his support by posting a heartfelt note saying how he is a Puerto Rican first and artist second, and how people should peacefully protest for transparency.
Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin posted a video urging people to join him on Wednesday's peaceful protest, saying it's been enough.
Residente
Residente also called the people to join him on Wednesday's protest. He called on everyone, regardless of political party, saying this was a lack of respect from the government to the people, that the government's corruption is "disgusting," and that they're doing all the things they criticize about other countries.
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny went on a rant asking to all the Puerto Ricans to unite, and said he's hurting for his country and only wants what's best for everyone.
Luis Fonsi
Luis Fonsi said he's always respected everyone's opinions and ideals, but he can't stand behind a government that makes fun of Hurricane Maria's victims, the LGBTQ community, women, people in need, or anyone who thinks differently than them.
Nicky Jam
Nicky Jam kept his message short, but it's very clear: he wants Ricardo Rosselló to resign.
Ozuna
Ozuna offered his unconditional support to Puerto Rico, and asked for peaceful and orderly protests.
Wisin
Wisin also asked the people of Puerto Rico to unite peacefully and responsibly.
Olga Tañón
Olga Tañón had some strong words for Ricardo Rosselló, and asked him to remember that he was elected by the people to govern for the people, and urged him to resign as an act of repentance.
Chayanne
Chayanne said being Puerto Rican is an "award" and praised its people. He called for everyone to unite to demand change, but to do so respectfully, peacefully and listening to each other.
Roselyn Sanchez
Roselyn Sanchez said she was hurt by the situation in Puerto Rico, and said the island deserves to live in honesty, respect, prosperity, transparency, and unity.
Kany Garcia
Kany Garcia quoted Puerto Rican poet Julia de Burgos, calling women to take action, too. She captioned the photo "5pm. Capitol" alluding to Wednesday's protest.
Joan Smalls
Supermodel Joan Smalls also had some words to say about the situation in Puerto Rico. She asked Rosselló to resign, saying he's an embarrassment for the country and that he should leave his ego behind and do what's best for everyone.