In a controversial incident during a concert at the Auditorio Telmex in Zapopan, Jalisco, the musical group Los Alegres del Barranco projected images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). This event, held on March 29, 2025, has sparked outrage among officials and the public alike, leading to a swift response from the venue's management.
The Auditorio Telmex, which is part of the Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), issued a statement expressing regret over the display of images that glorified crime. The venue clarified that it does not influence the selection of the repertoire, speeches, or audiovisual material that artists choose to share with their audience. Instead, the Auditorio only rents the space to promoters, placing the responsibility for the content squarely on the artists and their teams.
In their statement, the Auditorio Telmex acknowledged the painful reality of violence in the country and indicated that they are taking measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. "We are not unaware of the painful reality that our country is experiencing. Therefore, we have decided to take measures to ensure that such cases do not occur and that everything develops in a safe environment," the statement read.
The legal team of the Auditorio is currently reviewing contracts with promoters, exploring possible modifications to ensure that artists commit to avoiding glorification of crime in their content, speeches, and audiovisual messages. This proactive approach aims to foster a safer atmosphere for future events.
The controversy erupted as the images of "El Mencho" were shown while the song "El dueño del palenque" by Los Alegres de la Sierra was playing, a track that directly mentions the CJNG leader under his nickname "El señor de los gallos." This incident has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including Jalisco's Governor Pablo Lemus.
Governor Lemus condemned the actions taken during the concert, stating on social media, "What was seen at the concert this past weekend goes in the opposite direction of what we need to do. We are working on all fronts to combat any manifestation of this type." He emphasized the need for unity in addressing the normalization of violence and urged that such tributes to criminal figures should not be tolerated in any space within the state.
In the wake of the event, the Auditorio Telmex has faced backlash from the public, with many accusing the venue of attempting to wash its hands of the situation. Social media users expressed their discontent, questioning how the venue could be unaware of the implications of hosting a concert titled "Los Señores del Corrido," which is already associated with the glorification of crime.
Despite the uproar, Los Alegres del Barranco have yet to comment publicly on the incident. The group is known for linking their songs to the CJNG, with popular tracks like "El doble R," which mentions Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, also known as "El Tripa," a lieutenant of the cartel. Another song, "Soy cuatro letras," makes a direct reference to the initials of the CJNG.
The event featured several other acts, including Tito Torbellino Jr. and Los Nuevos Rebeldes, all of whom are recognized for their contributions to the narcocorrido genre. The genre itself has been criticized for its portrayal of drug cartels and the violence associated with them.
As the Auditorio Telmex moves forward with its plans to revise contracts and implement stricter guidelines for future events, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect the programming at the venue. The governor's office has yet to announce whether there will be any sanctions for the organizers of the event or if further measures will be instituted to prevent similar occurrences.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggle in Mexico to navigate the complex relationship between popular culture and the realities of drug violence. As the nation grapples with the impact of narcocorridos and their glorification of criminal figures, the need for responsible management and oversight of cultural expressions becomes increasingly apparent.
Ultimately, the projection of "El Mencho" during the concert has reignited discussions about the responsibility of artists and venues in addressing the normalization of violence in society. The Auditorio Telmex's commitment to reviewing its policies and ensuring a safer environment for audiences reflects a growing awareness of the need for accountability in the entertainment industry.
As the situation continues to unfold, both the Auditorio Telmex and the artists who perform there will likely face scrutiny over their roles in shaping cultural narratives around crime and violence in Mexico.
