Controversy in Chile Over Celebrities Staging Illegal Parties During Pandemic

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Cami Gallardo, a popular Chilean pop singer and 2021 Latin Grammy Award nominee, on Sunday became the latest public figure to be detained by Chile’s military police for violating health restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gallardo was denounced by neighbors while holding a party in her upscale apartment in the eastern sector of the Chilean capital when the curfew, which begins at 10 PM in the country, was already in force.

The 24-year-old singer assured that she had not organized a party, but after having suffered an “allergic shock” she was forced to go to a hospital and had not eaten for a long time. “My friends ordered a meal here at my house and hours went by. It occurred to me to play salsa, because I love salsa and while I was dancing, not bothering anyone – we were seven people, which is wrong – they came and arrested us,” she said.

After posting a public apology on her Instagram account, another issue concerning her health condition was disclosed: Gallardo was required to be under a mandatory preventive quarantine since January 26th because she had taken a trip abroad. She was to remain in total confinement for 10 days, something she failed to comply with. Consequently, an investigation was initiated to assess her liability and, if found guilty, she could face a fine of up to 50 million Chilean pesos (US$6,800).

Another public figure who caused controversy for engaging in a similar behavior was Colo-Colo soccer player Iván Morales. His illegal party was not even discreet, as he celebrated it by launching fireworks from his apartment balcony. The party was massive and the loud music put an end to his neighbors’ endurance.

“I don’t understand how he can perform as a soccer player if he throws parties in his apartment every night. There is a constant flow of people and the worst of all is that he does not let people sleep, it is an awful noise”, said neighbor Ana María to the local press.

The repeated after-hours parties prompted the building’s residents to file a complaint over the player’s parties in full lockdown. “He has been systematically transgressing the health regulations imposed by authorities. The only thing we want is for him to leave, to be evicted,” says Ana María.

Another sportsman involved in an illegal party was renowned Chilean rally driver Samuel Israel. According to police reports and the allegations of the owner of the house rented in the name of the sportsman, the young man invited his friends and acquaintances to the exclusive Cachagua beach, in the Zapallar district located 165 kilometers from Santiago. His plan was to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a private setting, but the neighbors decided to report him due to the length of the party, the number of guests and the unrestrained behavior.

According to the police report, the young pilot rented the house and organized the party in violation of health regulations, where no masks were worn and which was attended by over 150 people.

“Music, drinks and drugs at will and loud music until 8:30 AM, with no regard for neighbors in this quiet condominium in Aguas Claras”, they claimed.

Despite the complaints, Samuel Israel organized another party, this time on the night of January 2nd. It was attended by another 100 people, according to a new complaint. The police arrived and issued a fine. The party led to an increase in the rate of contagions on this peaceful beach on the central Chilean coast, and criticism reached the government itself, which, through Ministry of Health (MINSAL) officials, ultimately filed a complaint against the pilot.

Source: InfoBae