Ozuna, the popular Puerto Rican reggaeton singer, revealed on Wednesday (January 23) that he was the victim of an extortion plot.
In a press statement, per Rolling Stone, the "Taki Taki" singer detailed how he fell victim to a blackmail scheme involving an explicit video of him, filmed when he was allegedly 16-years-old. "Our attorney confirmed yesterday that urban artist Ozuna was extorted through an intimate video filmed when he was a minor," read a statement issued by Ozuna’s label and management firm, Dimelo Vi. "This video was edited with the objective of causing even more damage. [During] the time of the extortion scheme, we filed a complaint and all the legal measures are being taken, as sending and publishing videos of minors is a state and federal offense… We hope that this will serve as an example and message to all teenagers and adults to protect their privacy and avoid these things so as to [avoid] such regrettable situations."
Ozuna, born Juan Carlos Ozuna Rosado, also issued a public apology, saying, "Like many young people, I made a mistake, fueled by ignorance. Today, I’m not only sorry for what happened, but I condemn it. That’s why I looked for help and I am certain everything will be cleared." He continued: "Likewise, I’m following the process and am always willing to collaborate with authorities to prevent the evil that resulted from this big mistake. More importantly, I ask my family for forgiveness. They are my life’s priority and I will continue to fight for them always."
The 26-year-old singer's attorney, Antonio Sagardía, told Primera Hora, a Puerto Rican newspaper, the extortion attempt was allegedly carried out by slain Puerto Rican rapper Kevin Fret, who was shot and killed in Puerto Rico earlier this month. Antonio additionally told the newspaper, "Ozuna has nothing to do with [Kevin's] death. The only way Ozuna is affected is that [Kevin] was extorting him and police have the information." Kevin allegedly claimed to have a compromising video of an underage Ozuna performing a sex act and he demanded money to keep him from releasing it. Ozuna's attorney claims the "Vaina Loca" singer paid Kevin $50,000 before contacting the FBI.
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