In a stunning turn of events, the highly anticipated concert of Gerardo Ortiz at the Palenque de la Feria de Puebla 2025 has been abruptly cancelled. This decision came swiftly after Ortiz publicly admitted to performing concerts for a promoter with ties to the infamous Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). The announcement was made on March 20, 2025, just hours after the official lineup featuring Ortiz was disclosed.
Scheduled for May 11, 2025, Ortiz's performance was set to be a highlight of the Feria, which is set to kick off on April 24. However, following his admission during a legal trial, the promoter MV Entertainment took the decisive step to remove Ortiz from the lineup. This development underscores the gravity of Ortiz's situation, as he now faces serious legal troubles under the Kingpin Act, which prohibits any business dealings with individuals connected to organized crime.
According to Rolling Stone, Ortiz's declaration took place amidst the trial of Luis Ángel Del Villar, the executive director of Del Records, where the singer disclosed his prior engagements with Jesús Pérez Alvear, the promoter flagged by U.S. authorities for money laundering on behalf of the CJNG. The ramifications of this admission are significant, reflecting not only on Ortiz's career but also on the increasing scrutiny surrounding the entertainment industry in Mexico, especially concerning ties to drug trafficking.
Adding to the somber backdrop is the violent fate that befell Pérez Alvear, who was murdered on December 4, 2024, at a restaurant in Polanco. His connections to the CJNG and Los Cuinis had made him a target, and he had been under the radar of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) since April 2018. Notably, in 2018, the FBI issued a warning to Ortiz regarding Pérez Alvear's connections, advising him to cease any performances linked to Del Records. Despite this caution, Ortiz continued to perform under Del Records, raising questions about his judgment and allegiance.
In the wake of the cancellation, Boleti World, the ticket vendor, has announced that it will issue refunds to those who had purchased tickets for Ortiz's performance. Attendees can visit the Centro Expositor ticket booths for refunds starting from March 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This swift action reflects the ongoing concerns regarding Ortiz's involvement in illegal activities, as fans and patrons navigate the fallout from these revelations.
With Ortiz's removal from the lineup, the Feria de Puebla will continue with a series of performances by other famous artists. The confirmed lineup now includes notable acts such as Julián Álvarez performing on April 25, Yuri on April 26, Banda MS on April 27, and many more leading up to the event's closure on May 11. Tickets for the Palenque de la Feria range from 700 pesos to 5,916 pesos, with the admission fee to the Feria itself set at 50 pesos.
The official lineup has been modified, and excitement builds as fans anticipate the other performances scheduled during the Feria. However, speculation arises over whether the government of Puebla will seek another artist to fill the void left by Ortiz's cancellation, especially for the final night of the entertainment-filled event.
As the Feria de Puebla draws nearer, the incident underscores a critical moment for the music industry in Mexico, as the intertwining of entertainment and organized crime continues to attract attention. The future of artists who find themselves in similar situations remains uncertain, as the boundaries between art, profession, and legality constantly blur.
Amid the unfolding drama, fans of Gerardo Ortiz are left grappling with disappointment while pondering the implications of his choices and the broader narrative surrounding the music industry in Mexico. With numerous performances lined up, only time will tell how this saga impacts Ortiz's career and the perception of artists associated with controversial figures in the world of organized crime.
