Machel rushed to QPS – not hospitalRoad March winner slams report

ROAD March winner Machel Montano is threatening legal action against the Trinidad Guardian newspaper for an article which alleged he had to be rushed for medical treatment after coming off a music truck at the Socadrome, Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain on Carnival Tuesday. Montano has said he was surprised when his mother showed him the article.

It was reported that Montano was taken to a nearby private hospital for medical treatment. The article said he appeared visibly in pain and on the verge of a possible collapse. Instead, Montano said he was rushing to meet the band Fantasy, which was at the Queen’s Park Savannah, about to cross the stage.

Montano has a music truck with Fantasy, but was contracted to perform at the Socadrome during Tribe’s presentation there. He said after performing for 20 minutes at the Socadrome, he and his entourage were rushed by maxi to the savannah stage so that he could cross with Fantasy. He criticised the erroneous report.

Montano’s attorneys wrote to the Guardian demanding an apology, saying at no time did he experience any distress symptoms or had to seek medical care. The attorneys alleged that the false assertions as it relates to Montano’s health may have detrimental consequences to his commercial image and legal relationships with his sponsors and stakeholders.

The letter also said the article caused widespread and unnecessary distress among the singer’s relatives and close friends. An apology was demanded with a threat that legal action can follow if there was no retraction of the story. In a statement, Montano’s management said “this type of reporting” has had long-lasting negative effects, and asked the media to be more responsible in its journalistic enterprise. They also recognised the media’s support, and said they would always be willing to verify information.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have expressed concern for their brother,” they said. “Machel is well, and today we give thanks and celebrate (winning the Road March) with SuperBlue.”