Armando Vega Gil, a Mexican musician, bassist, and co-founder of rock band Botellita de Jerez, has died by suicide on Monday following an accusation he sexually abused a 13-year-old.
Reports say his body was found by local authorities at his Mexico City home. Prosecutors only confirmed a body was found, though the 64-year-old posted a note about his death on his Twitter.
Related: Roseanne Barr Calls Out #MeToo Movement Activists As ‘Hoes’
He penned it entirely in Spanish, fiercely defending his innocence against the anonymous allegation, which was made on the @MeTooMusicaMX Twitter account. In part, the English translation of his caption reads:
“Do not blame anyone for my death.”
Armando also wrote that he would have no way of clearing his name:
“Let me make it clear that my death is not a confession of guilt, on the contrary it is a radical declaration of my innocence. I just want to clear the path my son will walk in the future.”
Per the accusation made the night before, the anonymous victim claimed the musician invited her to his home 13 years ago when she was only 13-years old, and made sexual advances on her, including offering to teach her how to kiss.
Paola Hernandez, the band’s rep, spoke to Reuters, claiming she was on the phone with her client just two hours before his passing. She shared how he sounded “really sad and p***ed off.”
“He said he wasn’t guilty. He didn’t know how to clear his name. He was really worried about how his son would take all this.”
Botellita de Jerez’s official Twitter page responded to their co-founder’s death with a message, which has been translated to English (below):
“With immense sadness, we share that our partner @ArmandoVegaGil passed away today. We are processing this news and doing the corresponding procedures. Rest in peace, little brother.”
Con un inmenso pesar, comunicamos que nuestro compañero @ArmandoVegaGil falleció la madrugada de hoy. Nos encontramos procesando esta noticia y haciendo los trámites correspondientes. Descansa en paz hermanito.
— Botellita de Jerez – Memorias (@HHBotellita) April 1, 2019
The #MeToo account has also responded to news of his passing with a message in Spanish, translated (below):
“We ask outlets not to spread false information. Despite the events, we continue our promise of being a platform of distribution and a network of support for victims of abuse and violence in the music scene.”
See the full tweet:
https://twitter.com/metoomusicamx/status/1112799336260354049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1112799336260354049&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fremezcla.com%2Fmusic%2Farmando-vega-gil-botellita-de-jerez-suicide%2F
His death has sparked a huge debate in the replies, with some blaming the movement while others are bringing up the need for mental health awareness.
We’ll continue to keep you updated.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
[Image via Tedx Talks/YouTube]
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