Alicia Villarreal Breaks Silence on Domestic Violence Allegations Against Her Ex, Cruz Martínez

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Rumors that the iconic regional Mexican music singer-songwriter Alicia Villarreal was in trouble spread across social media for over 12 hours before she took the stage Sunday night to reveal that she had been a victim of domestic violence.

Her private life had been under scrutiny for months after she confirmed she was divorcing Cruz Martínez, her partner of nearly two decades and the father of her two youngest children. Mexican media speculated about infidelity, which Villarreal didn't address.

However, the situation took a darker turn when allegations of domestic violence surfaced.

Domestic Violence Allegations

The rumors began with a social media post from content creator Jacqueline Martínez:

"At 2 a.m. today, Alicia Villarreal had an argument with her now ex-partner Cruz Martínez. According to sources, things escalated to physical violence, with him allegedly choking her. She managed to escape and seek help, and someone took her to a hospital in Monterrey. She was examined and released hours later.

She has filed a complaint and is reportedly preparing to take legal action against him."

Shortly after, journalist Rey Elizalde confirmed that Villarreal had indeed filed a domestic violence complaint against Martínez. "The alleged victim was taken to a private hospital in the same city," he reported.

Social media exploded with reactions, but the real shock came after Villarreal's performance at the Expo Monarca 2025 in Zitácuaro, Michoacán, just hours later.

A powerful silent statement

Before the concert, Hugo Mejuto, a member of Villarreal's team, hinted that something was wrong: "No matter what happens, she's here, working and pushing forward because her job is sacred to her," he wrote on Instagram, a post Villarreal later reshared.

Later, during her performance, Villareal made a powerful statement. Dressed in a purple top—the color symbolizing the fight against gender violence—she ended the concert with an unmistakable signal. Raising her right arm, she silently made the hand gesture recognized as a distress signal for domestic abuse victims.

The response was immediate: concern, support, and admiration flooded social media.

"Just got back from Zitácuaro. What a professional and strong woman! Singing with all her heart for the audience, asking for help, and still delivering an incredible performance," and "Alicia, what do you need? Please tell us! We'll be there for you! ❤️❤️❤️"

Nearly 24 hours after reportedly being hospitalized, Villarreal posted a video from her Expo Monarca performance on Instagram, reinforcing that the show must go on and that her personal struggles wouldn't interfere with her professional commitments.

Alicia Villarreal and Cruz Martínez's relationship

Villarreal met Martínez when he was producing for Grupo Límite, where she was the lead singer. At the time she was still married to Arturo Carmona, from whom she separated in 1998. She began dating Martínez shortly after, then rising to fame with Kumbia Kings.

"I took him to Monterrey, and he never went back to Corpus. He wanted to stay near me. It took him a while to ask me to be his girlfriend. I told him upfront: 'My priority is my family. My daughter lives with me, and we are a home. You can be part of it, but that's how it is,'" she once revealed in an interview with Pati Chapoy.

The couple has two children, Cruz Ángel and Félix Estefano, but their marriage was a turbulent one as Villarreal forgave multiple infidelities over the years.

There were rumors of a reconciliation before the latest incident. However, after Sunday's events, any possibility of getting back together appears to be off the table. Depending on the severity of the legal case in Monterrey, Martínez could even face jail time.