Thousands of people, including many prominent artists, are marching in Puerto Rico Monday (July 22) to ask for Governor Ricardo Rossello’s resignation. The Marcha del Pueblo, which is a national strike taking place at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico, is the latest demonstration calling for the Puerto Rican leader to step down.

Over a week ago, a private group chat between Rosselló and several associates in his executive team was published, revealing nearly 900 pages of leaked text messages that contained misogynistic and homophobic language when referring to opposition leaders, public figures, and journalists. The document also showcased strategies in efforts to manipulate different situations from late 2018 to January 2019.

Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny & More Ask Governor Ricardo Rosselló to Resign After Leaked Correspondence

Amidst the scandal, Rosselló sent a message nationwide Sunday (July 21) afternoon, asking for forgiveness and announcing that he will not seek reelection in 2020, in addition to resigning from the presidency of the New Progressive Party. He also reaffirmed that he will not resign but is willing to defend himself against the process of impeachment. The video was transmitted on television, radio, and social media platforms, including Facebook.

Thousands and thousands of boricuas have taken to the cobbled streets of San Juan to protest since last week, pledging their demonstration, including artists Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny, Residente, and Kany Garcia, to name a few.

“You are not only cynical but you are also Machiavellian. The only thing you’ve done with that message is played with the mental health of the Puerto Ricans,” Martin expressed on social media, announcing that he will take a plane from Los Angeles to the island Monday morning (July 22) to protest in the massive Marcha del Pueblo.

Residente, who has also been demonstrating on social media and will join the protest on Monday, reacted to Rosselló’s Facebook video. “I just saw the message and it’s a huge disrespect to Puerto Rico. You are not our governor,” he said in an Instagram video. “Nobody wants you to stay and that’s why we’re marching tomorrow. All the violence, all the economy that gets affected will be your fault. You’re playing with fire,” he said. 

Bad Bunny Pauses European Tour to Join Protests in Puerto Rico

Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Kany Garcia has canceled her vacation plans to go home and join local protesters. “I don’t feel good being here,” she said, stating that she will take an 18-hour flight to Puerto Rico to join Monday’s march. “As a woman, it’s my responsibility to show my indignation and also as someone from the LGBTQ community and citizen. We will continue until this delinquent gives us what we deserve as a nation: his resignation,” she states. 

Olga Tañon, Ednita Nazario, and Lenny Tavarez are other artists joining the Marcha del Pueblo. See their posts below.