Controversy Unfolds: Lesly Ochoa Defends Against Nacho Cano's Allegations of Blackmail
Lesly Guadalupe Ochoa Flores, the intern who filed a complaint against music producer Nacho Cano, publicly declared her innocence regarding allegations of blackmail on Thursday. Ochoa argues that her dismissal was unjust, citing discrimination due to a disability in her left hand. "There were events and comments from my colleagues and from the organization that often made me feel discriminated against. I was born with a different condition in my left hand, and I believe I did not meet the physical characteristics for Mr. Nacho Cano. I think that was the real reason," she stated to the media as she left the Courts of Plaza Castilla after providing testimony as a defendant in Instruction Court number 22.
Ochoa lamented the prevalence of discrimination in society, wishing that such situations would not occur for anyone. Reaffirming her stance, Ochoa once again performed "Lucha de gigantes" by Nacha Pop, as she did last November when she initially filed her complaint against Cano. Her lawyer, Alfredo Arrién, asserted that the investigation established there was no blackmail involved, and that her dismissal was the result of an unfair negotiation.
"It has been shown that there was an employment relationship and that she was indeed dismissed because she did not meet the necessary aesthetic standards for the musical," Arrién explained. Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, Ochoa's stance is bolstered by her claims of wrongful termination due to discrimination against her disability. Conversely, Nacho Cano's attorney, José Luis González-Montes, insists otherwise. He contends that Lesly did not respond to questions from the prosecution or the judge. Furthermore, he highlights that the labor inspection has already stated that no employment relationship existed, thus disputing the claim of unfair dismissal related to her disability.
González-Montes emphasized that Ochoa's disability was known when she was selected among the 20 interns by the Malinche team. "It is important to note that Nacho Cano is the type of person who supports individuals regardless of their race, ideology, beliefs, or physical, psychological, or sensory impairments," he stated.
Last September, Nacho Cano had filed a complaint against the intern for alleged blackmail, presenting WhatsApp messages where Ochoa reportedly demanded €6,000, a letter of recommendation, and accommodations to avoid accusing him. González-Montes commented on these messages, claiming they demonstrate that Cano indicated such factors were not of concern when it came to disability.
As the case unfolds, the lawyers express differing views on the alleged irregularities surrounding the proceedings. González-Montes referenced a change in the date for Cano's testimony and pointed to significant irregularities in the allocation of cases, prompting them to draft a complaint to the judge of Instruction Court number 19 for judicial misconduct.
Both sides are preparing for the challenges ahead, with Ochoa maintaining her innocence and standing firmly against the accusations, while Cano’s lawyer continues to assert the legitimacy of their client's actions. As this complex legal battle continues, it raises broader implications about workplace discrimination and the treatment of individuals with disabilities within the entertainment industry.
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