Cumbia singer Sandra Katiuska accused the musical director of Orquesta Papillón of alleged psychological abuse on August 11, stating the mistreatment began after she rejected his personal advances. The 26-year-old performer had previously announced her departure from the musical group on August 8 through a statement posted on social media.
In her online message, Katiuska thanked Orquesta Papillón for their support during her four years as a member and noted her departure from the company occurred on good terms. She specified, however, that overwhelming and unsustainable actions by a specific colleague forced her to leave the group. The case follows recent headlines in the cumbia industry involving singer Naldy Saldaña and the group La Bella Luz.
Allegations of workplace mistreatment
Speaking in a report broadcast by América Hoy, Katiuska said she endured mistreatment from a colleague throughout her four years with the orchestra. She stated that initial disrespect was halted at the time, but public humiliations, belittling, and mistreatment before bandmates began after he discovered she was in a personal relationship.
Katiuska recalled an episode in July during a Fiestas Patrias tour when the individual invited her to his room around 9:00 p.m. to discuss her musical performance, which she questioned and refused. When an América Hoy reporter asked if she was referring to the musical director of Papillón, Katiuska responded that a word to the wise was enough, effectively confirming his identity.
Management response and resignation
Katiuska stated that she reported the behavior to orchestra management, leading to a meeting where leaders reprimanded the accused and issued him a written memorandum. She noted that while public humiliations stopped after the warning, subtle mistreatment continued, including withholding songs from her performance lineup and demonstrating partiality against her.
The singer explained that she remained silent for years because she is the head of her family and needed the employment to support them. She said she hoped conditions inside the orchestra would improve, but she ultimately decided to resign for her well-being after realizing the situation would not change.
