Cuban singer-songwriter Amaury Gutiérrez was detained this Tuesday at the Cartagena airport in Colombia following a confrontation with an immigration officer. As a result of the incident, the Miami-based artist was denied entry into the South American country.
The situation began with a brief and cryptic Facebook post that read: “Impossible to enter communist Colombia. Bye family.” Shortly afterward, Amaury Gutiérrez clarified what had transpired.
“Detained at Cartagena airport in Colombia for calling an immigration officer a communist who treated me like crap. Never in my life have I been treated so badly, only in Cuba when I was a slave. God has a purpose for everything. Blessings, family,” he wrote, accompanied by a photo of him sitting next to his luggage.
In the early hours of Wednesday, Amaury Gutiérrez shared a statement with his followers, alerting them that his tour in Colombia, scheduled to start this Friday, might have to be postponed.
Tour Postponement
“Unfortunately, I must inform you that my scheduled performances in Colombia may have to be postponed due to unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances,” wrote the singer of “Balsero.”
Amaury Gutiérrez specified that the Cartagena Immigration Department did not allow entry to him or his team. “Currently, we are held in less than ideal conditions. They won’t let us return to Miami or go to another country on a different airline, only on the one we came with and directly to Miami,” he added, noting that there were no available flights to Miami until today.
The artist mentioned that he was detained in a room along with his manager, forced to spend the night sleeping on the floor. “I deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause to those who were looking forward to our performances. We appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging and uncomfortable time for us," he said regarding the tour's cancellation.
In the final part of his post, Amaury Gutiérrez thanked his friends and fans for their unconditional love and support, promising to update them on any new developments.
Several artists expressed their solidarity with the singer in the comments section of his posts, including the renowned trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. “Dear Amaury, I am very sorry that you have to go through such an unjust and uncomfortable situation. This clearly shows what a leftist government is capable of. I hope you can return soon, and that this serves as another example of what these oppressive regimes are capable of,” wrote Sandoval.
Comedian Boncó Quiñongo added, “You are already an American citizen, never stay silent before a communist.”
The Colombian tour of Amaury Gutiérrez was scheduled to include performances in Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Montería, Cali, and Cartagena between September 6 and 14.
As of the closure of this note, there are no further details about the incident that led to the drastic decision to deny entry to the Cuban singer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amaury Gutiérrez's Detainment
In light of the recent events involving Amaury Gutiérrez's detainment at Cartagena airport, here are some frequently asked questions that provide additional context and information.
Why was Amaury Gutiérrez detained in Colombia?
Amaury Gutiérrez was detained at Cartagena airport following a confrontation with an immigration officer, whom he allegedly called a communist. This led to his denial of entry into Colombia.
What was the initial reaction from Amaury Gutiérrez?
Amaury Gutiérrez initially posted a cryptic message on Facebook stating it was “impossible to enter communist Colombia” and later explained the mistreatment he experienced from the immigration officer.
Will Amaury Gutiérrez's tour in Colombia be affected?
Due to the incident, Amaury Gutiérrez's scheduled performances in Colombia may have to be postponed. He expressed his regret and thanked his fans for their understanding.
What support has Amaury Gutiérrez received from fellow artists?
Several artists, including trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and comedian Boncó Quiñongo, have expressed their solidarity with Amaury Gutiérrez, condemning the treatment he received and supporting his stance.