City Council members are upset over the choice of singer and soap opera star Osvaldo Rios as the 2010 Puerto Rican Day Parade Godfather, and are threatening to boycott the parade. Rios, known for his roles in telenovelas like "Kassandra," served three months in prison in 2004 for abusing his girlfriend, leading council members to believe that he sets a bad example for the community. City Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito told WABC, "It's not a positive role model for my people, for my community and for our children. I personally will not march in the parade and I will ask other elected officials to consider doing the same thing."
Some participants are worried that his presence would suggest that abuse of women is not a serious problem, but others say he served his time and should be given a second chance. "I think people can change if they want to change, and I think they should at least be given the opportunity to do so," said East Harlem resident Cathy Akhtar.
The parade draws around 2 million spectators every year (it's on June 13 this year), and previous "International Grand Marshals" have included Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony. This year's Grand Marshal will be Rep. Nydia Velazquez, who called it a great honor.
