The 'Criminal' singer comes forward to express regret over 'a mistake of the past' nearly two weeks after musician Kevin Fret, who was alleged to be behind his blackmail, was fatally shot in Puerto Rico.
- Jan 24, 2019
AceShowbiz - Latin superstar Ozuna has gone public with his personal woes after becoming the victim of an extortion plot.
The reggaeton singer hit headlines on Tuesday, January 22 amid rumours suggesting slain musician Kevin Fret had been behind the alleged blackmail plot, which reportedly involved threats to leak a sex tape Ozuna had filmed when he was a minor.
Now the star's representatives have confirmed that he was a victim of extortion, although they made no mention of Fret, who was fatally shot in Puerto Rico on January 10, reports Billboard.
A press release from management officials at his label Dimelo VI reads: "Ozuna was extorted through an intimate video filmed when he was a minor. This video was edited with the objective of causing even more harm."
"At the time (of the extortion plot), we filed a complaint and all the legal measures are being taken, as sending and publishing videos of minors is a state and federal offence."
Reports allege Ozuna, 26, initially agreed to pay Fret $50,000 (£38,200) after receiving the threats via social media in 2017, but he subsequently took the issue to the FBI in Miami, Florida.
Ozuna has also issued a statement of his own, apologising to fans for the controversy and expressing his regret at the actions of his youth.
"What happened was a mistake of the past," he writes. "Like many young people, I made a mistake, fueled by ignorance.
"Today, I'm not only sorry for what happened, but I condemn it. That's why I looked for help and I am certain everything will be cleared.
"Likewise, I'm following the process and am always willing to collaborate with authorities to prevent the evil that resulted from this big mistake. More importantly, I ask my family for forgiveness. They are my life's priority and I will continue to fight for them always."
Meanwhile, the star's attorney, Antonio M. Sagardia, has firmly dismissed speculation that his client was in any way involved in Fret's murder, stating, "Ozuna had nothing to do with this death."
