Little-known actor makes accusations against Emilio Estefan

By David Cázares, Miami Bureau, Posted January 16 2002,

Sun-Sentinel Link

MIAMI BEACH · An acquaintance of Latin music mogul Emilio Estefan has asked a judge for restraining orders against Estefan and one of his bodyguards, claming they threatened and sexually harassed him.

Juan Carlos Diaz, a little-known Venezuelan actor and singer, filed the applications for restraining orders Monday against Estefan and Antonio Almeida.

The applications allege that Estefan threatened Diaz, improperly touched him and sought sexual favors from him.

Diaz also alleged Almeida threatened him and said, "I could kill you."

But Estefan's attorneys have prepared a case of their own -- that Diaz was stalking Estefan and his wife, Gloria, and tried to extort millions of dollars from them.

"Mr. Diaz made threats that can only be characterized as scandalous and absolutely false," said John Hogan, one of Estefan's attorneys. "The reality is that because Mr. Estefan is a celebrity, he is an easy target for misguided individuals who attempt to benefit from their relationship with celebrities."

According to Estefan's attorneys, and to police reports filed previously by the Estefans, Diaz has been harassing the couple for more than a year and a half.

The trouble began when Diaz gained access to Gold's Gym at 1400 Alton Road by claiming he was a friend or relative, Hogan said.

After Almeida complained to the gym's management, it booted Diaz from the gym because of his behavior and not being a member, Hogan said. Police were summoned and gave Diaz a warning.

According to Hogan, Diaz then left the bodyguard a threatening message on his cell phone -- a claim Estefan's attorneys backed with a tape recording in which a man they identified as Diaz told Almeida, "You're going to pay and your boss Emilio is going to pay, too."

Diaz also called Estefan's assistant and said only millions of dollars would make him go away, Hogan said.

Hogan also said Diaz sought Estefan's help with his career, but there was no relationship or agreement between them.

Diaz's attorney, Ellis Rubin, said he did not expect Estefan to admit to the allegations, but looked forward to cross-examining the music producer in court.

Although a judge denied Diaz's applications for restraining orders, a Jan. 28 hearing has been set.

Estefan's attorneys said they would fight Diaz's allegations aggressively in civil court.

David Cázares can be reached at dcazares@sun-sentinel.com or 305-810-5012.

Copyright © 2002, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

[One has to wonder what is up here. Are the lawyers hurting for business and putting Diaz up to this? Rubin is a well known lawyer and does not work cheap. Is Diaz telling the truth, and Emilio did make advances? Maybe the Estoban's need to see their name in the papers, regardless of the reason? Maybe Diaz is an extortionist?]

"The reality is that because Mr. Estefan is a celebrity, he is an easy target for misguided individuals who attempt to benefit from their relationship with celebrities."

This line might work if Diaz wasn't a celebrity himself, albeit a small one.

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2002