Peru investigates alleged homophobic threats at Miraflores McDonald’s

Peruvian prosecutors have launched a preliminary investigation into alleged homophobic discrimination and death threats occurring at a McDonald’s restaurant in the Miraflores district of Lima. The incident, which took place on October 12, 2026, involved two men, Reinaldo Rivas and Cristhian Palomino, who reported being subjected to insults, harassment, and a death threat by an individual identified as Augusto Nava.

According to reports, the confrontation was recorded on video and circulated on social media. In the footage, the suspect allegedly stated that homosexuality is a sin and issued a threat, saying, “I’ll kill you, I’m not joking.”

The investigation is being led by the Specialized Supraprovincial Corporate Prosecutor’s Office for Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism. Authorities have ordered several urgent measures, including the collection of surveillance footage, psychological evaluations, and statements from witnesses and the victims. Under Peruvian law, harassment and threats based on sexual orientation or gender identity constitute the crime of discrimination.