Venezuelan comedian George Harris, recently announced as part of the lineup for the upcoming Viña del Mar International Song Festival, has addressed the controversy surrounding his past comedic material in his first interview with Chilean media.
Speaking with Only Fama, the Mega channel program that will broadcast the festival, Harris described his comedic style as ”costumbrista,” focusing on everyday experiences and latin American culture. “I talk about things we all relate to, things that make us unique,” he explained.
Harris revealed that he was contacted by a production company associated with the festival after a prosperous sold-out show at Santiago’s movistar Arena earlier this year. He accepted the invitation to Viña del Mar without hesitation, citing his lifelong admiration for the festival, which he watched growing up in Venezuela. “We knew about the triumphs of artists like Puma Rodríguez,” he shared.
For Harris,performing at Viña del Mar is a meaningful honor. “Comedians don’t have award ceremonies like other professions,” he noted.”Our reward is being on important stages like this one.”
Addressing the controversy surrounding some of his older routines, Harris acknowledged that past tweets and jokes about political figures, including Chilean President Gabriel Boric and former President Salvador Allende, had resurfaced. “As a comedian who performs regularly in Miami, I often joke about figures like donald trump, Joe Biden, and Lula da Silva,” he explained.”sometimes, you have to make a mea culpa and recognize that humor needs to balance laughter with moments of reflection.”
“I may have said things about Cristina Kirchner that, looking back, I shouldn’t have,” he admitted. “I didn’t live in Chile, I didn’t vote for Boric, and sometimes you have to be mindful of the impact your words can have.”
Harris specifically addressed a tweet from several years ago in which he wrote, “And there are a lot of people out there who still cry for Allende. What poverty of such an ardent mind!”
He clarified, “That was something I wrote a long time ago. You forget about things you post on social media, and then they resurface. It happened three years ago,and it’s come back now.”
Venezuelan comedian George Harris has found himself at the center of controversy after a tweet about Chile’s history sparked outrage among Chilean audiences. Harris, scheduled to headline the opening night of the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in 2025, expressed regret for his remarks and apologized to the Chilean people.
The controversy stemmed from a tweet where Harris made light of the legacy of Salvador Allende, Chile’s socialist president who was overthrown in a 1973 coup. When asked if he regretted the tweet, Harris stated, “I regret it as as I said at the beginning, I did not live in Allende, I remember the Chileans who migrated to Venezuela, I grew up in an area of Caracas that It was quite central where there were many foreigners. “I remember that and I understand that there is a pain regarding history and that I do not know that pain, and that is where I made the mistake.”
Harris acknowledged the deep-seated trauma associated with the left-wing ideology in Venezuela, explaining, “I want to apologize to the Chilean people because we Venezuelans have trauma – Harris continued- When they say the word “left” to us, we want to run, run, run and cross the border. And cross, and leave and flee. Perhaps we are not speaking from the understanding that we must respect other lefts, that not all lefts are the same.”
The backlash on social media was swift and intense, with Harris reporting receiving threats. He discussed the situation with organizers of the viña del Mar festival, who reassured him and decided to proceed with his performance. “Yes, I have received some very negative comments on social media, obviously at one point it scared me. I spoke about it with the Festival organizers, we talked about the context of what happened on my social networks.They told me ‘let’s move forward, we continue with our project, the presentation is still on.’”
despite the controversy, Harris remains steadfast to deliver a memorable performance. “I don’t want to miss this opportunity in my career.-Harris continued-. I have filled incredible venues in my life, I have been to stadiums, bullrings. But for me,I grew up with this place.My show does not talk about politics, people manage to remember the smallest things that we have in our history and in our childhood. I’m sure people are going to have fun.”
Harris also expressed admiration for Chilean culture, notably its culinary traditions. “I found it very fun, and that’s something I’m going to put into my routine, because the stove is part of chilean culture.”
George Harris is scheduled to perform on the opening night of the Viña del Mar Festival on February 23, 2025, sharing the stage with musical acts Marc Anthony and Bacilos.
## Laughter Under fire: Venezuelan Comedian George Harris Addresses Controversial Jokes Ahead of Viña del Mar
**World-Today-News.com Exclusive Interview**
Venezuela’s comedic sensation,George Harris,is about to grace the iconic stage of the Viña del Mar International Song Festival.
However, his arrival hasn’t been without controversy. Older jokes targeting political figures like Chilean President Gabriel Boric and former President Salvador Allende resurfaced. Harris, known for his sharp wit and “costumbrista” style – poking fun at everyday Latin American realities – has found himself navigating a storm of criticism.
In an exclusive interview with World-Today-News.com, Harris addressed these concerns head-on, striving to balance the delicate line between humor and sensitivity in the political sphere.
**WTN:** Mr. Harris, your invitation to Viña del Mar is a meaningful achievement for a comedian, but it’s also been accompanied by controversy surrounding your earlier jokes about Chilean political figures. Can you elaborate on your comedic approach and how it intersects with this sensitive issue?
**Harris:** As a comedian who focuses on “costumbrista” humor, I draw inspiration from our shared experiences, the nuances of Latin American culture that unite us. I aim to evoke laughter through relatable situations, highlighting what makes us unique. While my intention is always to entertain and find humor in everyday life, I recognize that jokes about political figures, especially from another country, can be perceived differently.
**WTN:** You mentioned that you ofen joke about figures like Donald Trump and Joe Biden in your Miami performances. Do you think these cultural contexts are different, and how do you navigate those nuances?
**Harris:** Absolutely.Humor is subjective and deeply intertwined with cultural contexts. Just as I may poke fun at U.S. politicians in Miami, referencing their policies and local quirks, it’s essential to be mindful of the complexities surrounding Chilean history and political landscapes. As an outsider, I need to be more cautious and sensitive to avoid causing unintentional harm or offense.
**WTN:** There’s been particular outrage regarding a tweet from a few years ago, were you commented on those who “cry for Allende.” You’ve stated that it was an older post. What reflections do you have on that tweet now, considering the context surrounding Allende’s legacy in Chile?
**harris:** Looking back at that tweet, I realize it was careless and perhaps disrespectful to the deep emotions and past meaning Allende represents for many Chileans. I understand that humor can sometimes be misinterpreted, especially when dealing with sensitive historical events. I regret any pain my words may have caused and hope that people can understand that I’m learning and evolving alongside my journey as a comedian.
**WTN:** Do you feel a responsibility as a comedian to be more mindful of the potential impact of your jokes?
**Harris:** Without a doubt. As comedians, we hold a unique platform with the power to make people laugh, think, and sometimes even challenge societal norms.This responsibility should never be taken lightly.Humor needs to be balanced with respect, empathy, and an understanding of the complexities of the world we live in.
**WTN:** Looking forward to your performance at Viña del Mar, what message would you like to convey to the Chilean audience?
**Harris:** I’m incredibly honored to be invited to such a prestigious festival and eager to share my comedic viewpoint with the Chilean audience. I hope to deliver a show filled with laughter and relatable experiences that transcend cultural boundaries. Ultimately, my goal is to connect with people through humor, build bridges, and foster understanding.
**By [Your Name], Senior Editor, World-Today-news.com**
