Peruvian cumbia singer Naldy Saldaña denounces harassment by band director

Peruvian cumbia singer Naldy Saldaña has publicly denounced César Sánchez Chavesta, musical director of the group La Bella Luz, for alleged sexual harassment and assault. Security camera footage, aired by the program Magaly TV, shows Sánchez intercepting Saldaña during a rehearsal in Lima, attempting to kiss her and touching her without consent. The videos, recorded on June 18, have sparked widespread outrage in Peru and beyond Source: El País.

The incident

Saldaña, 26, says the assault was not isolated. She told El País: "No es la primera vez. En ese mes que pasó, yo evitaba ir al baño. Él siempre me metía la mano cada vez que pasaba." She claims the band's owners, including founder Óscar Custodio Chavesta (Sánchez's cousin), dismissed her concerns, telling her she would "get over it." Feeling unsupported, she resigned after a month Source: El País.

Reaction and consequences

Following the video's release, La Bella Luz announced Sánchez's indefinite suspension, but only after Saldaña's resignation and public outcry Source: Excélsior. The TV program 'Mande quien mande' suspended a casting date for a new vocalist, with host Laura Huarcayo stating: "Nosotros condenamos tajantemente el comportamiento del director musical... Ninguna mujer tiene que soportar ningún tipo de acoso bajo ninguna circunstancia" Source: Infobae. Former band members Baruj Ocharán and Fiorella Castillo voiced support, with Ocharán recalling: "Nos llamaron malcriados y mal agradecidos" Source: Infobae.

Legal status

The Fiscalía Especializada en Violencia contra la Mujer in San Juan de Lurigancho has opened a preliminary investigation against Sánchez for alleged non-consensual touching. The Defensoría del Pueblo has urged a swift investigation Source: El Mundo. Saldaña has asked for justice "for me and for all women" Source: Heraldo de México.