Mexican musician, writer Armando Vega Gil commits suicide after #MeToo allegation
By
David Walsh
15 April 2019
Mexican musician, poet and writer Armando Vega Gil, 64, committed suicide April 1 at his home in Mexico City after being accused of harassing a teenage girl. Apparently, he hanged himself.
Vega Gil, born in Mexico City, was a bassist and a co-founder of Botellita de Jerez, one of the more influential Mexican rock ’n’ roll bands, formed in the early 1980s.
The anonymous accuser, on the #MeTooMusicosMexicanos Twitter account, asserted that Vega Gil had befriended her when he was 50 and she was 13. She did not accuse the musician of physical abuse, but claimed he made unwanted verbal advances, including telling her he wanted to teach her how to kiss. Vega Gil, in a lengthy suicide note he posted on his social media accounts, “categorically” denied the accusation.
According to press reports, the band’s representative Paola Hernandez spoke with Vega Gil at about two in the morning, a few hours before his death. “He was really sad and pissed off, he didn’t know how to clear his name,” Hernandez said. “He said he wasn’t guilty … [but] he was worried about how his son would take all this.” (The Independent)
The official Botellita de Jerez band page confirmed Vega Gil’s death in a tweet that read, “With immense sadness, we share that our partner @ArmandoVegaGil passed away today. We are processing this news and doing the corresponding procedures. Rest in peace, little brother.”
Vega Gil was the author of dozens of books, including novels, poetry, short stories and stories for children. He was also the recipient of numerous awards for his musical and literary efforts.
In his suicide note, the musician and author,…