Daneidy Barrera Rojas, better known as ‘Epa Colombia’, is once again a topic of debate after her five-year and two-month prison sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court of Justice. The sentence, which includes an arrest warrant, is due to the damages caused at the TransMilenio station ‘Los Molinos’ during the 2019 protests. However, what has caused the most impact is the viral video in which the influencer reacts to the judicial decision.
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On Monday, January 27, ‘Epa Colombia’ shared a video on her social media where, in tears, she expressed her sadness and desperation. The video, which quickly went viral, shows her regretful for her participation in the riots and lamenting the ruling against her. “Friend, I am really sad […] I made a mistake, but I have done everything possible to fix it. I went to the TransMilenio offices and told the Prosecutor's Office that I was willing to pay for the damages with my keratin business month by month, but that I didn't want to go to jail,” she said with a trembling voice.
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The recording features Daneidy Barrera Rojas explaining that she had requested a second chance, arguing that her life has changed and that her company generates employment for thousands of people. She also claimed to have knocked on doors to seek support, but stated that the Prosecutor's Office has not wanted to help her. "I wanted to change, I was building to continue generating employment and to be given the opportunity. I wanted to do campaigns with TransMilenio, I wanted to do many things, but they have not listened to me," she said.
Despite her efforts to make amends and her success in the beauty industry, the Supreme Court confirmed on the morning of January 29, 2025, the conviction against her, finding her responsible for aggravated damage to property, disruption of public, collective, or official transportation services, and incitement to commit terrorist acts.
The case of 'Epa Colombia' has divided opinions. While some consider that her evolution as an entrepreneur and her willingness to pay for the damages should be taken into account, others argue that she must serve her sentence to be held accountable for the events of 2019. However, the viral video has reignited the debate about the legal consequences of her actions and the impact on her public image.