'Piolin' Sotelo Hit With Harassment Allegations

Eddie Sotelo

Spanish-language radio personality Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo's mysterious departure from the airwaves last week came after a performer on his nationally syndicated program accused him of sexual harassment, according to documents obtained by The LA Times.

Alberto "Beto" Cortez, a writer, producer and performer on the popular "Piolin por la Manana" radio program, alleged that his boss Sotelo was "physically, sexually and emotionally harassing" him for a three-year period ending last January. The claim was made in an April 16 letter from Cortez attorney Robert R. Clayton to executives Roberto Llamas and Jose Valle of Univision Communications Inc., which broadcast and syndicated the show.

In addition to the claim of sexual harassment, Cortez alleged that Sotelo ordered members of his radio production team to falsify letters in support of a high-profile campaign for congressional immigration reform, an issue that Sotelo championed on his program.

Sotelo's attorney, Jeffrey Spitz, said the allegations were false and motivated by money.   Neither Cortez nor Sotelo could be reached for comment. Univision executives declined to comment.

In the documents obtained by The Times, Cortez claimed that Sotelo repeatedly made aggressive and unwanted sexual advances, including grabbing Cortez's buttocks and genitals when Cortez would arrive at work in the morning at the Glendale studio.

Cortez alleged that Sotelo taunted him during staff meetings, calling him by a derogatory term for a homosexual, and telling him to say that he was gay.

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