Venezuelan comedian George Harris found himself in a tense situation during his performance at the 2025 Viña del Mar International Song Festival. From the onset of his routine, a segment of the audience began booing, repeatedly interrupting his act. Despite his efforts to calm the crowd and proceed with his show, the hostility persisted, ultimately prompting Harris to leave the stage earlier than planned. Before departing, he voiced his disappointment, stating, "It's a shame the bad guys always win."
Later, Harris took to social media to express his sentiments: “We did what we could, my people. I am truly sorry. Love you all,” accompanied by a Venezuelan heart-shaped flag. The controversy surrounding Harris isn't new. Months prior to his performance, he faced backlash over past social media comments where he criticized Chilean political figures like Salvador Allende and Gabriel Boric. These remarks sparked debates online, with some users calling for his removal from the festival lineup.
During a meeting with the festival's organizers, Harris shared his concerns about the death threats he had received but ultimately chose to proceed with his performance, describing it as a "lifelong dream." The Venezuelan community in Chile, which numbers over 728,000, had high expectations for his act, with many attending the festival to support him. This community has become the largest foreign group in Chile, significantly influencing various aspects of Chilean society, including cultural events.
Festival director Álex Hernández attributed the failed performance to a "small group of misinformed Chileans" whom he claimed orchestrated the disruption of Harris's routine. Hernández mentioned that the routine had been reviewed and deemed entertaining, but the disturbances caused by this group affected Harris's performance. He also acknowledged the presence of xenophobic attitudes from this group towards the Venezuelan audience attending the event.
In response to the incident, Cuban actress Beatriz Valdés expressed her solidarity with Harris through a social media post, lamenting the symbolic violence experienced at Viña del Mar. "It's heartbreaking to witness these times where the system endorses violence in all its forms, as seen in last night's disgrace against the ambassador of noble laughter, George Harris," she wrote.
Valdés also highlighted the significance of Harris's humor for the Venezuelan diaspora, noting that his laughter has provided solace for those forced to start anew far from home. "Your laughter reminds us of our strength. Your blessed laughter spreads fresh and freely not only over every Venezuelan scattered across the globe but also over all communities compelled to begin again," she added.
Key Questions About George Harris's Viña del Mar Incident
Why did George Harris leave the stage at Viña del Mar?
George Harris left the stage after facing persistent hostility and boos from a segment of the audience, which disrupted his performance.
What controversy surrounded George Harris before his performance?
Harris faced backlash over past comments on social media criticizing Chilean political figures, which led to debates and calls for his removal from the festival.
How did the festival director respond to the incident?
Festival director Álex Hernández blamed a small group of disruptive Chileans for the incident and acknowledged xenophobic attitudes towards the Venezuelan audience.