SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The company producing the Tejano Music Awards has decided not to give a Lifetime Achievement Award to a musician convicted of sexual assault of a child in 2006.
The Texas Talent Musicians Association confirmed they rescinded the award to Joe Lopez, the co-founder of the popular Tejano band Grupo Mazz. The group will also not be performing at the event. The 43rd annual Tejano Music Awards is set to take place Saturday, October 21, at the Tech Port Center in San Antonio.
"It was a hard decision, but we felt it was the right thing to do," Frank Salazar, Vice President of Texas Talent Musicians Association, said.
Lopez was convicted on October 20, 2006 in Cameron County. He was found guilty on two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child. He was sentenced to 32 years in prison but served only 12 years before being given parole in 2018. The singer has maintained his innocence, according to Tejano Nation.
The singer released a statement on his band’s Facebook page, saying he will not be present at the awards ceremony. The statement reads:
"With deep feeling, we announce to our beloved public that unfortunately we will not be present at the 43rd Tejano Music Awards event for reasons beyond our control related to the organizers of the event. We had expected with great excitement the opportunity to meet at this event. We appreciate everyone's understanding and support they have always given us; We look forward to the opportunity to meet at future events."