Peruvian businessman Óscar Custodio Chavesta, the owner of cumbia orchestra La Bella Luz, attacked journalists on Tuesday while arriving at the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Custodio had been summoned for legal questioning over an alleged cover-up regarding complaints of improper touching filed by former band singer Naldy Saldaña.
The businessman, who is also known as the father of musician Senderito, stepped out of his vehicle outside the prosecutor's office on Tuesday, September 1, when he was immediately approached by reporters from several television programs and digital podcasts.
Custodio appeared visibly uncomfortable and angry when reporters questioned him about the sexual harassment allegations involving his musical group. During the encounter, he physically assaulted a journalist representing local network América Televisión.
The aggression triggered immediate outrage among the surrounding journalists. Members of the press shouted back at the businessman, asking why he was being so aggressive and why he was striking reporters who were attempting to cover his arrival.
La Bella Luz is one of Peru's most popular cumbia orchestras. Cumbia peruana is a major genre within South American tropical music, and leading orchestras frequently tour across the country and attract significant national media attention.
Custodio, who founded the orchestra, was cited by Peru's Public Prosecutor's Office to address claims that he failed to act after being informed of improper touching within the group's ranks.
Saldaña previously reported that she personally informed Custodio, her then-employer, that she had been subjected to improper touching by the orchestra's then-musical director, César Sánchez Chavesta, who is also referred to as César Chávez.
According to Saldaña, Custodio failed to take any corrective or disciplinary measures after receiving her report. Saldaña subsequently broke down in tears when rewatching video images of the improper touching she suffered, stating publicly that she felt afraid.
The orchestra has faced previous security incidents during performances, including a recent event where band members were attacked on stage during a live concert, leading the group to identify the attacker and leave the stage abruptly.
Reporters describe physical attack outside prosecutor office
Video of the altercation outside the prosecutor's office was broadcast by Latina Televisión on its morning magazine show Arriba mi gente. A reporter for Latina who was covering the arrival stated that Custodio began throwing elbows at reporters as he moved toward the building.
The Latina journalist reported that one of Custodio's elbows struck her directly in the arm, forcing her to step back to avoid being hit again by the businessman.
During the Arriba mi gente broadcast, television presenter Ricardo Rondón condemned Custodio's behavior, stating that the recorded footage showed the true face of the orchestra owner.
Footage of the incident spread rapidly across social media platforms, including X and Instagram, where users expressed strong disapproval of Custodio's actions against the press.
Social media users condemn orchestra owner online
Instagram users left numerous comments criticizing Custodio and La Bella Luz following the publication of the video. Several commenters remarked that people in his position typically issue tearful public apologies later when facing backlash.
Other users criticized fans who continue to follow the group, describing supporters as accomplices who enable violence. Some commenters expressed indignation that the orchestra claimed to stand in solidarity with Saldaña while continuing to display their own promotional videos above her statements.
Custodio proceeded into the Public Prosecutor's Office for questioning regarding the cover-up investigation. Authorities have not stated whether further legal action will be taken regarding his altercation with journalists outside the facility.
