With just five days until the celebration, the controversy over soap opera star Osvaldo Rios' participation in the Puerto Rican Day Parade is heating up. Rios served three months in prison in 2004 for abusing his girlfriend in 1996, and community leaders say he isn't the type of person that should be representing the city's Puerto Ricans. Now, Chicago Rep. Luis Gutierrez has backed out as "state marshal" of the parade, and Verizon has withdrawn its sponsorship.
Guiterrez wrote parade organizers, "I do not believe that honoring an individual who has committed such a serious crime is in keeping with the spirit of our parade. We must send a message of zero tolerance for violence against women," and a Verizon spokesman said they decided "it just wasn't for us this year." And though he'll march alongside Rios as the "honorary marshal," Bronx Rep. Jose Serrano said, "It was not a good idea to honor him."
However, parade organizers are defending their choice, saying he is popular in the community and has served his time. "Osvaldo has been rehabilitated," said parade president Madelyn Lugo. "I believe everyone deserves a second opportunity in life, another chance." In response to the controversy, Rios sent an open letter to the media, saying, "To those that have judged me and publicly condemn me, without having all the accurate information regarding my trial, I say, 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.' I publicly recognize that I made a mistake 14 years ago (1996); and paid for it, (2004)...I invite you to show an example of citizenship, forgiveness, the brotherhood of America, and goodwill between humans, all united for the good of our community."
