UPDATE, June 18, 10:45am
Univision has terminated its contract with Dávila Colón. The following statement was sent to Latino Rebels:
“Earlier this week on WKAQ Radio in Puerto Rico, Luis Dávila Colón used an offensive, despicable slur. We do not tolerate or accept any such vile language or attitudes in our workplace or on our air. Upon investigating his broadcast, Univision has immediately terminated its contract with Mr. Colon and canceled his program. We deeply regret the utterance of this slur on our air in Puerto Rico.”
ORIGINAL STORY
This week, Latino Rebels reviewed the June 15 episode of the El Azote radio show, hosted by Luis Dávila Colón and broadcast by Puerto Rico’s WKAQ 580, which is owned by Univision Radio. During the second hour of the show, Dávila Colón, a non-Black Puerto Rican, was responding to a panelist when he said the N-word on air.
The context of the conversation was Dávila Colón’s defense of the controversy surrounding Kobbo Santorrosa’s La Comay show, who had portrayed Ana Irma Rivera Lassén, a Black Puerto Rican woman politician, as a stereotypical Black servant. According to Dávila Colón, Santarrosa’s comments through his puppet character were not racist because Santarrosa now identifies as Black and if Blacks in the United States can say words like “n•gger” to each other, why can’t Blacks in Puerto Rico make fun of each other too?
In response to Dávila Colon’s use of the N-word, Univision Communications issued a stern statement late Wednesday night to Latino Rebels, both condemning “the use of vile language” and stating that it “will take appropriate and swift action” as it currently reviews the audio from the show.
“We do not tolerate or accept the use of vile language or derogatory attitudes in our workplace or on our air. We are reviewing the audio in question from the recent airing of the El Azote radio program on WKAQ in Puerto Rico and will take appropriate and swift action,” a Univision Communications statement said.
Earlier this year, Dávila Colón was suspended by WKAQ after calling San Juan mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz a perra (“a female dog,” “whore” or “b•tch.”)
UPDATE, June 18, 9:03am
Dávila Colón took to social media and offered a five-minute explanation of the June 15 segment.
NOS ACUSAN DE "RACISTAS"–PARTE DE UNA AGENDA DE ACABAR CON LAS POCAS VOCES ALTERNAS DE PR https://t.co/DxBMDyEkkH
— LUIS R DAVILA-COLON (@DAVILACOLON) June 18, 2020
In this 5-minute video, Dávila Colón said that he is a not a racist and that he was using the N-word in context since he understands that in the United States, a White person would never use the N-word to a Black person but that Black people say the N-word to each other on comedy shows and movies. He also added near the end of the video that Univision has the right to do whatever it wants with his show, but that he stands by a claim that this is a leftist plot to get him on the air.
Earlier on Thursday, Dávila Colón accused Latino Rebels of being part of this leftist plot:
Los izquierozos me quieren fabricar otro rancho y sacar Azote del aire. Ahora dicen que somos racistas‼️El soplapote de Carmen Cruz, PJS y los izquierdistas de Latino Rebels exigen a mi patrono que me saque de la radio. pic.twitter.com/kxJxRWlt82
— LUIS R DAVILA-COLON (@DAVILACOLON) June 18, 2020
Our founder Julio Ricardo Varela tweeted back to Dávila Colón about his claims (with no evidence) about Latino Rebels’ reporting:
Univision Communications, which owns Univision Radio and WKAQ, issued a statement to me at 10:30 pm ET. My team published the statement. In the meantime, if you want to go ok record with us, you can contact me.
I ask that you stop spreading lies about my team. Thank you.
— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) June 18, 2020
This story contains reporting by Julio Ricardo Varela.
What is your point? Are you trying to shut down conservatives at PR too? The context is clear. Stop being used by our local socialist that want to silence everyone with a different opinion. Can a black be racist against a black? that is his question related to a local figure that criticized the second in command of a party with a runner up that lost a case in court about RACISM and they are trying to spin the narrative and bun everyone but the candidate. A Racist candidate with a discrimination sentence.
Why do people confuse discrimination with freedom of speech? ?
The N word is widely used among young afroamericanscfriends in USA as an everyday expression in their conversations; what’s the problem; its true. Now Aunt Jemima and Uncle Bens are sins. Sin sentido….
Existe racismo entre los propios latinos, los propios negros y de negros a latinos y viceversa; es una lamentable realidad. Por favor, tergiversar lo discutido en un panel es faltar a la verdad.
Where can I listen to your review of the June 15th episode?
We listened to the show on June 15 and then shared the audio clip with Univision Communications for a statement.
Hello. Where would I be able to hear your review of the June 15th episode? None of the dates for the audio on your website coincides with Wednesday June 16.
Mr Davila Colon said nothing wrong. He was just making a comment on how in Hollywood they mock there own race. Now we have to walk on egg shells. No human is perfect how many times have the Black or even white physically attack other human beings. By the way I am not s racist.
[…] en la mañana de hoy, el medio digital Latino Rebels dio a conocer la cancelación del espacio radial y publicó la comunicación que confi… actual con Dávila […]
Univision had no alternative. Long ago the obscene, racist and anti-woman language of this Mr. had broken all the schemes of good manners and decency.
Esto nada tiene que ver con racismo, es todo un esquema de Univision para sacar del aire a este controversial señor. Desde cuando se usa la supuesta N word en Puerto Rico?……Que saben la mayoria de los Puertorirriqueños de esa palabra o Frase?….NADA !!!….Ni tan siqueira su significado……El solo estaba explicando una verdad que existe en este sobaco del mundo llamado USA. Yo no lo defiendo, pues este tipo se pasa elogiando a los estadounidenses y la USA, y ya el puede ver el trato que esta indeseable gente nos brinda. De igual manera tratarian estos hp a los Boricuas si Puerto Rico fuese estado. Yo puedo dar fé de lo que digo !…..35 años por aca y saqueandole una pension y con gusto. Ellos nos saquean nuestra economia y son los de la isla el las vacas de su finquita privada en el caribe. Colon Davila tienes la opcion de siguir arrodillao, o despertar y trabajar para que PR se un pais libre sin el mandato de Washington DC sobre nosotros. Despierten del sueño de ser parte de esto (USA) Jamás hadrian a PR un estado, los gringos nos detestan y somos mierda ante sus ojos !……no lo digo yo, lo dicen y lo recarcan ELLOS !!!!
It surprises me how certain individuals take out of context what is said and discussed. Personally I have not heard or seen what Mr. Pedro Julio Serrano claims in both the Azote and La Comay. It is known that these program bring out information that certain do not want to be known. Hence, Mr. Serrano has been known for manipulating the information to change public opinion. He is known for telling half truths and repeating so that people believe him. The practice of Josef Goebbels. Just to make it clear, Mr. Serrano does not represent the people of Puerto Rico. Yes, there is prejudice against color and political ideology. Those that claim these programs practice prejudice are the first to practice it. All that has to be done is to investigate and you will find the truth..
Pedro Julio has nothing to do with the reporting of our story so your comment is 100% fake news. We are group of nonprofit independent journalists who heard the show and asked Univision for comment.
Please bear in mind that I live in this island and have the opportunity to live the news first hand. It is a known fact that different individuals can interpret news the way they see it. Each view should be respected and not dispatched by easily saying is fake news. This the reason of the present debate with the programs the Azote and La Comay. I have my opinion based on what I have heard and seen. And you have yours. Time will tell whose right or wrong. As simple as that.
So, you seem to be very intelligent and analytical in your replies in this thread but you fail to mention that there was nothing, no reason at all to ask anyone for a comment on what was said in Davila’s program that day. The program is out there for every one to hear and see. Quit manipulating people of a different background (English speakers) that do not understand the context used in the aforementioned program. To the people I say, Latin rebels seem to be a bunch of people with a leftist agenda trying to pass as legitimate neutral media.
By the way, the only reason I’m commenting in this site is because of Dávila Colon’s credibility and I stumbled in your very weak and unknown site.
Our team did reach out to WKAQ about it and we didn’t get a reply. We went to Univision Communications, which owns the station and all of Univision PR, like we said in the article. There is no manipulation here: the use of the N-WORD under the licensing by a US-owned company can lead to the losing a broadcast company. WKAQ is owned by a US company. We stand by our reporting, which is 100% factual. If you have issue with the actual statement from Univision Communications, you can reach out to them. Those are the statements Univision gave us.
Por mi parte, su tónica hizo que dejara de escucharlo hace tiempo. Me gusta escuchar de todas las persuasiones políticas y me disgustan los prepotentes, vengan de donde vengan. Ya su programa estaba bastante flojo y era un despotricar constante que sostenía un discurso de él y otros bastante llano. Quizá Univisión aprovechó esa torpeza para salir de ese “tostón”.
Fire the racist! Its 2020 there are somany ignorant racist people!
Come on ppl, you are playing with ppl careers, taking everything out of content, his right, the N word if used by an African American among each other it’s ok. In my opinion someone wanted him out, his remarks were not racial.
We are not playing with anyone’s careers. We asked the company about the audio and that is what the company did. Not us.
Luke 19:40 (https://www.bibliacatolica.com.br/catholic-public-domain-version/luke/19/) 40. And he said to them, “I tell you, that if these will keep silent, the stones themselves will cry out.”
[…] news that Univision Communications had terminated the contract of Luis Dávila Colón and canceled his El Azote radio show on WKAQ for his saying the N-word on […]
Please remove this radio station from all your devices anti statehood agenda
I heard it. Are you moroans. Me being Mr. Colon should sue Univision, for unlawful liquidation. In what grounds are you calling him Racist. In what mean is he being offensive. Univision dont play your self. The recording is clearly like the water. Mr. Colon is not at fault. Univision is. Mr. Colon get a lm lawyer for unlawful liquidation of contract. Defamation slander. And much more.
If you know anything about broadcasting contracts and the standards that talent are held do, media companies have contracts that pretty much put the liability on talent for uttering racial slurs on air.
Nowhere in the article is the word “racist” even stated, much less are there any claims whatsoever that Luis Davila-Colon is or would be a racist. It only says that he uttered a racial slur, which is factually correct. You present an argument about context for his use, which I think is a weak one particularly since he did not state it in a matter-of-fact tone, but decided to use intonations and inflections particular to inner city slang. Regardless, the FCC has strict guidelines on the use of racial slurs on TV and Radio broadcasting – they are not allowed and are a reason for fines or in some cases losing their license to broadcast. If you want to argue that the FCC infringes upon the free speech of its citizens, that is another matter entirely – it is a government agency restricting or moderating what is broadcast over certain platforms (TV & Radio) and as such by definition is an infringement upon free speech, but one we have accepted as a society.
The company’s decision to cancel him was their own; they were not under duress or threatened to act in any way. Remember, he (or his employer) was already fined for his aspersions against Yulin just a few weeks ago, so he was on thin ice already.
We have several reporters on the island so some of us are based in PR. With all due respect, your allegations are 100% false.
I was replying to Addie’s comment and not your reply… she said he was called a racist by your article and was implying that the use of the word itself was not racist (hence my comment about context). In your article you do not use the word or state he is. Essentially he was fired for breaking FCC guidelines – it was Univisions decision and it was uncoerced. What part of my argument was factually incorrect? That you did not refer to him as a racist in your article? (I stand corrected, you used the word twice to summarize his statement that he was not a racist) That he was fired for breaking FCC regulations and uttering a racial slur on live radio? That Univision’s decision was uncoerced? That he was already on this ice this year for calling a politician a “female dog” on live radio (a few months not weeks ago)?
My comment about the FCC infringing upon free speech is correct, but I’m not stating I am against it. It just is; we ceded our right to express racial slurs on public radio waves and public television. If Luis Davila Colon now wants to grandstand and raise a flag against that censorship, then let him fight all the way to the SCOTUS… but at the end of the day, he broke a law (just like Don Imus) and his company decided to terminate him. There weren’t even massive calls to boycott him or his advertisers.
So can you tell me where is LDC is discriminating here? He is commenting and giving an example about news of a black puppeteer (Kobbo) accused of racism against a local Victoria Ciudadana Party black Candidate ( and prominent figure) and the clip his example colloquial language used between black americans themselves and how that is not considered racism. And FYI all the controversy is after a public discussion of a Court Sentence that found that a firm in control of VC party’s runner up, guilty or racism against a black dominican women. This Victoria Ciudadana Party black Candidate ( and prominent figure) said nothing and found no racism in her ballot companion and main leader no matter Court’s decision . Those are facts not opinions.
Local VCP party and people with their agendas managed to spin the narrative against those that denounced VC party’s runner up hypocrisy.
We know the whole story. He still said the N-Word. Take it up with Univision if you are so upset. Thanks for reading!
[…] the fallout continues from Luis Dávila Cólon being fired by Univision Communications for uttering the N-word on his now canceled WKAQ Radio show, supporters of the controversial talk show radio host and […]
This has been interpreted as shutting down the opposition. Political prejudice. Sorry for Univision hasty decision.
[…] show in Puerto Rico, after he used the N-word on the air, Latino Rebels reported Wednesday. “The context of the conversation was Dávila Colón’s defense of the controversy surrounding Kobbo …. According to Dávila Colón, Santarrosa’s comments through his puppet character were not racist […]
[…] Communications (the station’s parent company) last Thursday after Univision determined that Dávila Colón’s use of the N-word on air was immediate cause for […]
El Azote and Mr Davila Colon its the voice of the conscience in Puerto Rico. Thanks to him, political audit occurs in the corrupted island of Puerto Rico. He said “niggar”, so wath, that word it’s used everywhere between afro american people. My question is, if an afro american use “red neck” to white people, or “indigenous”, “alien” to a latino, he’s a racist?. Black people it’s the same racist like a white people, and that it’s a fact. Racism is measured, according to the manners and values that the person learns.
We need Mr Davila Colon in Puerto Rico immediately. USA and Puerto Rico has democracy, not communism, and if the one its hearing the show do no like it, I suggest to change the station
If you go to the FCC government website and read their section of Law and Policy on Specific Kinds of Programming, you will see that in TV and radio obscene language, terms, words, are prohibited during the 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and may be subject to enforcement (only fines and in extreme cases refusal to renew a station’s license) – after 10 p.m. these restrictions are lifted. His show is broadcast at 6 p.m. if I am not mistaken.
Davila Colon violated that FCC rule. The “n-word” (he used it and he used the word and used inner city tones and inflections) falls under the category of obscene, indecent, or profane material. He broke the law. Univision was likely fined (unconfirmed) or will be fined for it, and these fines can be up to $325,000 per instance. Univision responded by making a statement and removing the program (which might have correspondingly helped them avoided the fine, also unconfirmed).
If you want to argue that there should be no restrictions to language and content at any time for TV and radio, then go for it (I would be inclined to agree). But right now, these are the laws we have and the rules we follow. Make it a First Amendment battle if you like, but Davila Colon messed up. Then in his twitter video he never even mentions that the word should not be used and that he made a mistake, but instead went on to explain in detail why he used it, then he went on a conspiracy rant that “the left” is trying to shut him and Kobbo down, and why he should not be cancelled. It’s like if your parents catch you cursing and instead of saying “I’m sorry” you tell them, “You can’t hit me! If you do I will call child services on you!” What do you think your parents would do? I have a pretty good idea what mine would have done…
[…] context of the remarks come a week after Latino Rebels broke the news that former radio talk show host Luis Dávila Colón said the N-word on Univision-owned radio […]
[…] show in Puerto Rico, after he used the N-word on the air, Latino Rebels reported Wednesday. “The context of the conversation was Dávila Colón’s defense of the controversy surrounding Kobbo …. According to Dávila Colón, Santarrosa’s comments through his puppet character were not racist […]
[…] PNP advocate Luis Dávila Colón, one of Puerto Rico’s most prominent radio talk show hosts, was fired by Univision on June 18 after using the N-word on air during Dávila Colón’s June 15 show about La […]
[…] not least, Hispanic broadcasting mega-corp Univision fired its immensely popular longtime host Luis Dávila Colón for saying “nigger” on air. That story went super-viral in the Spanish-language press […]
[…] a national uprising for racial justice in the U.S., Puerto Rico radio host Luis Dávila Colón was fired from Univision for using the N-word on air. His allies rushed to his defense, arguing this was an issue of free […]
[…] a national uprising for racial justice in the U.S., Puerto Rico radio host Luis Dávila Colón was fired from Univision for using the N-word on air. His allies rushed to his defense, arguing this was an issue of free […]
[…] a national uprising for racial justice in the U.S., Puerto Rico radio host Luis Dávila Colón was fired from Univision for using the N-word on air. His allies rushed to his defense, arguing this was an issue of free […]
[…] a national uprising for racial justice in the U.S., Puerto Rico radio host Luis Dávila Colón was fired from Univision for using the N-word on air. His allies rushed to his defense, arguing this was an issue of free […]
[…] a national uprising for racial justice in the U.S., Puerto Rico radio host Luis Dávila Colón was fired from Univision for using the N-word on air. His allies rushed to his defense, arguing this was an issue of free […]
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