The Colombian Immigration Authority has issued an official statement detailing an incident involving Cuban singer Amaury Gutiérrez and his manager Yasir Pérez early Wednesday morning. Both individuals were denied entry into the South American country for different reasons.
The incident reportedly took place around 12:30 a.m. at the Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, following the arrival of American Airlines flight 1145, which carried the singer and his manager.
According to the official note, Yasir Pérez "failed to present the required documents for entry into the country during the immigration control process, leading the Colombian immigration officer to apply the established migration regulations and deny him entry."
The statement also noted that Amaury Gutiérrez "interrupted the procedure abruptly and angrily, loudly expressing his intention to accompany Pérez if he were denied entry."
The immigration authority's version stated that Amaury Gutiérrez "threw his passport aggressively and exhibited an intimidating demeanor as he attempted to exit through the entry door, necessitating the intervention of airport security personnel and assistance from the National Police."
This provocative behavior by Gutiérrez caused a tense situation with the officers at the control point, who had to intervene to maintain order, the statement added.
As a result, Yasir Pérez was denied entry according to Article 70 of the current migration regulations due to inadequate identification documentation. Meanwhile, the Cuban singer was denied entry for what was described as "disruptive and disrespectful behavior."
The final segment of the statement clarified that a third person traveling with them was allowed to enter the country, as their documentation was in order and they were not involved in the incident.
Both travelers will be returned to Miami at noon today on American Airlines, the statement concluded.
"Immigration Colombia reiterates its commitment to complying with migration regulations and ensuring security at control points, and regrets any inconvenience this incident may have caused," the migration authority concluded.
Amaury Gutiérrez's Version of Events
From the immigration holding area where he and his manager had been detained for several hours, Amaury Gutiérrez spoke to journalist Enrique Santos, stating that he is not known for causing scandals. While there was a discussion, he insisted that there were no verbal or physical aggressions towards the immigration officer involved.
"I am not an artist who likes to make headlines; I always focus on music. This is the first time something like this has happened to me since my career began in '97, even back when I traveled with a Cuban passport, which was a nightmare," he said, reiterating that he had never had any problems before.
Gutiérrez explained that, for reasons unknown to him, his manager was being denied entry into the country, which upset him.
"I intervened in the conversation 'a bit heated,' but there was no physical or verbal aggression either," the musician insisted, adding that he called the officer involved a "communist," which seemed to upset the officer.
"I told them, 'You are treating us as if you were communists,' and that's when they got angry and told me I wouldn't be allowed in the country either," Gutiérrez recounted, describing the reaction of Colombian immigration authorities as "disproportionate."
He explained that they were separated from the rest of the passengers and delayed intentionally, preventing them from returning to Miami on the same flight. They had to wait until Wednesday's flight.
"People know that I am not an artist who causes scandals; I always focus on music. I have my ideals and my political position very clear, but I never disrespect anyone," Gutiérrez concluded, expressing regret for the cancellation of his planned five-concert tour in Colombia from September 6 to 14.
Key Questions About Amaury Gutiérrez's Incident with Colombian Immigration
In light of the recent incident involving Cuban singer Amaury Gutiérrez and his manager Yasir Pérez at Cartagena's Rafael Núñez International Airport, several questions arise regarding the situation and its implications. Here are some key questions and answers that provide more insight.
Why was Yasir Pérez denied entry into Colombia?
Yasir Pérez was denied entry because he did not present the required documents for entry during the immigration control process.
What led to Amaury Gutiérrez being denied entry?
Amaury Gutiérrez was denied entry due to his disruptive and disrespectful behavior during the immigration process, including throwing his passport and exhibiting an intimidating demeanor.
What was Amaury Gutiérrez's response to the incident?
Amaury Gutiérrez stated that he is not an artist who causes scandals and that while there was a discussion, there were no verbal or physical aggressions. He also described the reaction of Colombian immigration authorities as disproportionate.
What effect did the incident have on Amaury Gutiérrez's tour?
The incident led to the cancellation of Amaury Gutiérrez's planned five-concert tour in Colombia, which was scheduled to take place from September 6 to 14.