Jennifer Pena performs at the Memorial Weekend Bash in Victoria, Texas, on May 26, 2024. | Photo: Mariaelena Villarreal/Tejano Nation
Award-winning singer Jennifer Peña has released a statement addressing a viral video that captured a heated exchange between her and the event coordinator at the Memorial Weekend Bash in Victoria, Texas, on May 26. The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and industry insiders alike.
The video shows a heated exchange over performance fees with Peña and her team with event coordinator, Clara Ramos, who claims Peña’s management allegedly requested more money than initially agreed after another act, A.B. Quintanilla Y Los Kumbia Allstarz, were no longer slated to perform at the event.
In her statement, Peña expressed her disappointment and frustration over the incident. She emphasized her status as an independent professional in the music industry, fully aware of her worth. She explained that the only reason she agreed to perform without a contract was her eagerness to come through for her fans, even after a previously negotiated deal had been canceled.
Peña went on to address the bullying she endured, hoping that no one’s mothers, wives, sisters, or daughters ever experienced such treatment. She condemned the attempts to humiliate her through name-calling and belittling her value, stating that such attempts were and will always be in vain. She affirmed her commitment to advocating for herself and rejected the portrayal of her as “greedy,” “sneaky,” or “ungrateful” for doing so.
The singer also addressed the incident where individuals entered her trailer with a hidden camera, attempting to provoke a reactive altercation to malign her name and create a false narrative. She described this behavior as “despicable, disturbing, and dangerous.”
Despite the controversy, Peña assured her fans she showed up and delivered her best performance that night. She expressed her gratitude for their love, support, and encouragement, stating, “In the end, my character speaks for itself and always will.”
Peña, who made a comeback to music with the release of “Fuerte” late last year, has been enjoying a successful run. Her chart-topping duet with Siggno, “Casate Conmigo,” has been well-received by fans and critics alike.
As the Tejano music community continues to react to this incident, it’s clear that Jennifer Peña remains committed to her music and her fans. Her statement ends with a powerful hashtag, #fuerte, a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
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