A Cuban man found himself at the mercy of reggaeton artist Chocolate MC on Tuesday morning, enduring a terrifying ordeal before ultimately deciding to alert the authorities. In an interview with Telemundo 51, the victim, Daniel Pérez, detailed the harrowing events and explained his reasons for reporting the incident to the police, despite emerging physically unharmed.
Pérez firmly denied allegations that he had requested a photo with Chocolate MC. He recounted that at the time of the incident, he was on a video call with his wife in a supermarket parking lot, confirming which brand of detergent she wanted. "He saw me holding my phone. I recognized him as an artist from my country, even though I'm not a fan, and he accused me of recording him. I told him, 'Brother, I'm not recording you. I'm talking to my wife on the phone,'" Pérez explained.
The situation quickly escalated when Chocolate MC threatened him. "He pointed a gun at my chest and said he was taking my car because he thought I was recording him. He demanded my phone and took it. Unable to find my car keys, he insisted I get in the car and drive him around," Pérez recounted.
From the other end of the call, Pérez's wife, unaware of the unfolding drama, texted him, warning, "That man is dangerous, let him go now."
Driving Under Duress
Pérez was forced to drive through various parts of Miami under constant threat. "I couldn't speak; I was just thinking about how to escape. The more he made me drive, the more he rambled on about people. The stress and helplessness I felt were overwhelming. I considered crashing into a pole," Pérez revealed.
Despite the fear, Pérez later learned that the gun Chocolate MC brandished was a toy. "He kept it in his hand the whole time. I never knew it was fake; I saw it pointed at me, white on top. The police have the footage. I saw his finger on the trigger and thought, I can't try to disarm him, or I might end up dead over a car and a phone," Pérez stated.
"I'm not materialistic. My first thought was for my family, knowing they'd suffer," he concluded. Though Pérez emerged physically unscathed, the psychological impact remains profound.
The Decision to Report
When questioned about why he chose to report the incident, Pérez responded, "I got out okay, but it could happen to a child, an elderly person, or anyone else. He's someone who doesn't care about anything." Reflecting on the unfortunate turn of events, Pérez added, "I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."
In the written account of the interview, Pérez also addressed those who claim the singer needs psychiatric help. "No, brother, no. He doesn't need mental help. He needs to get off drugs. The best place for him is behind bars because he could shoot someone at any moment," Pérez insisted.
Chocolate MC's Partner Defends Him
Yelena Ramírez, Chocolate MC's girlfriend, also spoke to Telemundo 51, offering her perspective on the situation. "He's confused, hurt, and scared. He's been betrayed many times. He needs emotional and medical help," she said.
"Nobody helped him. Yosvany reached out to everyone, but no one responded. I will never leave him alone. He needs help; Yosvany is not well," Ramírez concluded.
Chocolate MC's Court Appearance
On Thursday, June 5, the reggaeton star appeared before Judge Mindy S. Glazer in Miami, where he was denied bail for violating previous release conditions. During the hearing, Yosvanis Sierra Hernández—Chocolate MC's real name—denied being "crazy" and claimed he felt "safer in jail."
"Someone on the street is paying to have me killed like they did to El Taiger," he stated. "I don't want a lawyer; even my lawyer is compromised. They're trying to sell the idea that I'm crazy," he added.
Chocolate MC now faces charges of kidnapping and armed robbery, despite the gun being a fake. This incident adds to his legal troubles, which include allegations of domestic violence, drug possession, and purported conspiracy to kill El Taiger's alleged murderer. It marks the fifth open case in Florida and his ninth arrest in eight years.
Understanding the Legal Challenges of Chocolate MC
Why did Daniel Pérez decide to contact the police after the incident with Chocolate MC?
Daniel Pérez reported the incident to the police because, although he was unharmed, he feared that a similar situation could happen to someone more vulnerable, like a child or an elderly person. He felt that Chocolate MC was someone who showed a disregard for the well-being of others.
What charges is Chocolate MC facing following this incident?
Chocolate MC is facing charges of kidnapping and armed robbery, even though the weapon used was a fake. This adds to his existing legal issues, including accusations of domestic violence, drug possession, and conspiracy to commit murder.
How did Chocolate MC's girlfriend defend him?
Yelena Ramírez, Chocolate MC's girlfriend, claimed that he is confused, hurt, and scared due to multiple betrayals. She believes he needs emotional and medical support and is committed to standing by him.