Chocolate MC's Key Court Hearing Postponed: Here's Why

A significant court proceeding involving Cuban reggaeton artist Yosvany Sierra Hernández, widely known as Chocolate MC, was deferred this Wednesday due to the absence of crucial witnesses. The hearing was intended to further the case accusing him of inciting a murder-for-hire plot targeting Damian Valdez, who is in turn accused of killing fellow reggaeton artist El Taiger. The hearing has been rescheduled for October 17, confirmed Chocolate's attorney, Adolfo Gil, outside the Miami-Dade County courthouse.

"He will be free," Gil expressed with confidence about the direction the case is heading. Despite being required to appear before the judge, Chocolate MC was a no-show, creating uncertainty even among those close to him. His partner, Yelena Ramírez, did attend the court session and spoke to the media.

Chocolate MC's Personal Transformation

"I was expecting him to be here today, but he didn't show up. We don’t know what's going on. He's a bit nervous, but everything is fine," Ramírez shared. She reiterated her unwavering support for the artist, highlighting his ongoing personal transformation. "He's changed a lot, even his family is surprised. He's a new person, now walking the path of God. Fully committed," she stated.

Ramírez also sent a message to Chocolate's fans: "Support him. He needs everyone's support right now. He's changed a lot. He's a new man. Everyone deserves a second chance." She remains resolute in standing by him, regardless of the legal situation. "I've said it in multiple interviews, I'll never leave him alone," she insisted. They plan to leave Miami for a fresh start once Chocolate regains his freedom.

Previous Court Appearance and New Charges

Back in August, Chocolate had already appeared in court for this case. He was seen in the red jumpsuit designated for high-risk inmates, shackled, with his hands chained to his waist and leg irons; a sight his sister, Isis Arislén Sierra, described as "very sad" at the time. Chocolate MC faces severe charges for allegedly threatening and attempting to recruit others via social media to assassinate Damian Valdez Galloso, who is charged with El Taiger's murder.

Beyond the legal challenges, those close to the artist claim his current incarceration has led to a profound change in his outlook on life. "The first thing I can tell you is that he has fully devoted himself to God, he has a lot of faith, and he tells me that when he gets out, everyone will see a completely different person. I haven't lost faith," his sister Isis stated in August, referring to Chocolate's newfound spirituality.

She recalled that her brother was once hospitalized at the Mazorra psychiatric hospital in Cuba due to mental health and addiction issues, and she noted that the treatments he is receiving in jail now are helping him "much more." Chocolate's current manager, 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 with a dramatically different message. "As he says, he's going to 'spread the Bible,' creating psalms in his unique style," Llorente mentioned a few weeks ago. He added with conviction, "He will continue being the king, but this time announcing Jesus Christ."

Ongoing Legal Troubles

Chocolate MC is currently detained for an unrelated case. He was arrested on June 2, accused of kidnapping and threatening a fan with a firearm, who was held for several hours. Although the weapon turned out to be fake, charges of kidnapping and armed robbery were filed. During the June 5 hearing, Judge Mindy S. Glazer denied him bail, stating he violated conditions of a prior release. Chocolate denied being mentally unstable during this hearing.

This case adds to an already extensive legal history: it is the fifth open case in Florida and his ninth arrest in eight years. At 34, Chocolate MC has been both an influential and controversial figure in the Cuban urban music scene. His career has been punctuated by musical success as well as repeated legal troubles, including domestic violence, drug possession, public disorder, and now an alleged murder conspiracy.

On the same Wednesday when Chocolate's hearing was canceled, another crucial hearing took place for Damian Valdez Galloso regarding El Taiger's murder. In that case, the judge set the trial date for October 8.