Eddie ‘Piolin’ Sotelo decries allegations, hints at new radio gig

Former Univision Radio star Eddie “Piolin� Sotelo says he is a victim of a smear campaign being waged against him by former performers on his once-popular program “Piolín por la Mañana.�

“For the past week, I have remained silent as some former disgruntled Univision employees have made false accusations about me,� Sotelo said in a statement released this week. “I did not want to dignify their lies by responding. But enough is enough.�

Until two weeks ago, Sotelo hosted the nationally syndicated “Piolín por la Mañana� radio program, which aired in Los Angeles on Univision Radio’s KSCA-FM (101.9) and about 50 stations from coast to coast.

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An influential voice in Spanish-language media, Sotelo was seen as a leading advocate for Mexican immigrants -- drawing such high-profile guests to his show as President Obama.

Last week, The Times reported, Univision Communications severed ties with Sotelo on July 22 after a performer on Sotelo’s radio show, Alberto “Beto� Cortez, lodged allegations with Univision management that Sotelo had sexually harassed him. Sotelo was Cortez’s supervisor, and denies the allegations.

Since then, other former Univision employees have stepped forward to paint a picture of a locker-room atmosphere that was tolerated by Univision because Sotelo’s program was financially lucrative.

Univision has declined to comment.

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Sotelo maintains that Cortez -- who was the call screener on the radio show -- came forward with the allegations in an attempt to negotiate a financial settlement.

“During the past 14 years, I helped my friend Beto Cortez through a number of difficult periods in his life and have been very generous to him,� Sotelo said in the statement distributed by a representative of his attorney.

“It saddens me that [Cortez] has resorted to making baseless claims in an attempt to obtain an undeserved financial windfall,� Sotelo said in the statement.

Cortez’s attorney was not immediately available for comment Tuesday.

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In an article published late last week by the Spanish-language La Opinion, another former on-air performer, Betty Velasco, also alleged that Sotelo created a hostile work environment at Univision’s studios.

Sotelo’s representatives have had talks with other radio companies about Sotelo bringing his show to a new station, preferably in Southern California, according to sources of The Times who spoke on condition of anonymity.

In his statement this week, Sotelo hinted a new job might be on the horizon.

“I have received an outpouring of unconditional support from my listeners and fans,� Sotelo said. “I am very thankful for their thoughts, their prayers and their encouragement. I plan to be back on radio very soon and will continue to work hard to keep your loyalty and trust. Stay tuned!’’

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