Óscar Junior, the 22-year-old leader of Peruvian cumbia group La Bella Luz, broke down in tears on stage during a concert celebrating the city anniversary of Tarapoto on August 7. The emotional breakdown occurred as the Monsefú-based orchestra returned to the stage amid mounting public backlash following a formal complaint filed by former singer Naldy Saldaña.
Saldaña accused former musical director César Sánchez Chavesta, who is Óscar Junior's uncle, of alleged sexual touching. The allegations sparked further complaints against figures within the group, including accusations of mistreatment against Óscar Junior himself, who is also known as Senderito.
Despite widespread public outrage, a massive crowd attended the performance in Tarapoto and greeted the band with applause. The scene took place while singer Fernanda Urbina, cousin of Corazón Serrano vocalist Ana Lucía Urbina, was performing the song ¿Y qué pasó?. Óscar Junior, standing alongside Urbina, grew visibly emotional as he looked out at the audience and his bandmates before weeping.
Public reaction and stage remarks
Footage of the incident drew divided reactions on social media networks. Supporters defended the young musician, who is the son of group owners Óscar Custodio and Pilar Torres, arguing that current band members were not responsible for the alleged actions of Sánchez. Other observers questioned the display, recalling statements from founder Óscar Custodio during a press conference where he remarked that anyone could cry and that tears did not prove truth.
Speaking through the microphone during the concert, Óscar Junior stated that he was the new leader of La Bella Luz and promised followers that he would not disappoint them, adding that the ensemble would continue bringing them joy. He explained that the group appeared in Tarapoto to honor a contract agreed to more than six months earlier, noting that fans had sent messages asking the band to perform at the anniversary.
Óscar Junior also addressed Saldaña directly from the stage, calling on the crowd to offer a strong round of applause for their former colleague. He wished Saldaña strength, called for justice to be served, and offered blessings to the audience before the show host declared that the performance had to go on.
Band controversy and accusations
La Bella Luz has faced severe criticism for its handling of the allegations after Saldaña released private messages with owner Óscar Custodio, claiming she felt unprotected by management. Former musical director Sánchez later resurfaced online, requesting that the public respect his presumption of innocence.
During a press conference, band member Mackeily Luján stated that members were unaware of the alleged abuse suffered by Saldaña. Custodio repeated his apologies and insisted he had offered support to Saldaña from the beginning, despite presented evidence contradicting his statements, a position that television host Magaly Medina and commentators said deepened the orchestra's crisis.
