# Colombian journalism sexual harassment investigations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sexual-misconduct-allegations-in-colombian-journalism > Updated: 2026-08-04T15:17:15.000Z. Sources: 61. Developments: 6. The Fiscalía General de la Nación continues to probe two high‑profile sexual‑harassment cases in Colombia. Former Caracol Televisión anchor Jorge Alfredo Vargas was formally charged with four counts covering alleged incidents from 2024‑2026. A Bogotá judge ordered the hearing to be held behind closed doors; three complainants withdrew while the fourth’s lawyer refused to disclose her client’s name, leading to her exclusion from the courtroom. After 137 days of silence, Vargas broke his silence in a video, asserting his innocence and retaining the Riveros Bazzani law firm for his defence. Veteran journalist Rafael Poveda faces accusations from two women dating back to 2019. He says he was given only summaries of the testimonies and denied access to full recordings, limiting his ability to mount a defence. Poveda confirmed that criminal lawyer Jaime Lombana, together with José Luis Herrera and Wendy Herrera, will represent him. The collective “Yo Te Creo Colega” released the women’s testimonies and noted that Poveda was given a detailed questionnaire with a 48‑hour response window, which he did not meet. Caracol Television, after the departure of two on‑air presenters, commissioned an independent commission chaired by constitutional lawyer Catalina Botero, which surveyed more than 1,200 employees. The commission reported that harassment can become normalized when perpetrators hold power. In response, Caracol announced a dedicated office to handle gender‑based violence cases and pledged cultural reforms, echoed by President Gonzalo Córdoba’s commitment to listen, learn and act responsibly. All matters remain under investigation by the Fiscalía, while press‑freedom groups monitor the proceedings for due‑process safeguards. ## Claims - Sofía Vela filed a complaint with the Fiscalía General de la Nación alleging sexual abuse by Rafael Poveda. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The alleged abuse took place in 2019 after a presentation course organized by Rafael Poveda's production company. (corroborated by 11 sources) - #YoTeCreoColega and Brava News published the testimonies against Rafael Poveda. (corroborated by 10 sources) - A second journalist, who remained anonymous, also accused Rafael Poveda of similar misconduct. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Colombian authorities have opened an investigation into the allegations against Rafael Poveda. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The allegations were first made public on 30 July. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Rafael Poveda released a public video denying the accusations and stating he will defend his reputation. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Wendy Herrera and her father José Luis Herrera Gómez are representing Rafael Poveda legally. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-04: Jorge Alfredo Vargas charged with sexual harassment as court seals trial proceedings Jorge Alfredo Vargas, former Caracol anchor, was charged with four sexual‑harassment counts; three victims withdrew, the hearing was sealed, and Vargas denied the charges after 137 days of silence. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jorge-alfredo-vargas-hearing-kept-confidential-in-bogot-court ### 2026-08-03: Caracol Television faces sexual‑harassment scandal and launches dedicated response office Caracol Television’s internal sexual‑harassment complaints led to two presenter exits, an independent commission’s findings, and the launch of a dedicated response office; former anchor Jorge Alfredo Vargas is 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/caracol-television-faces-sexualharassment-scandal-and-launches-dedicated-response-office ### 2026-08-03: Rafael Poveda defends himself amid sexual harassment allegations in Colombia Rafael Poveda claims lack of legal guarantees in sexual harassment case; lawyer Jaime Lombana joins his defense as journalists and media figures debate procedural rights. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rafael-poveda-sexual-harassment-case-sparks-media-debate-in-colombia ### 2026-07-31: Colombian journalist Rafael Poveda faces sexual abuse allegations Two women accused Colombian journalist Rafael Poveda of 2019 sexual abuse; he denied the claims, filed a video defense, and is represented by Wendy Herrera. A complaint is pending with the Fiscalía. 42 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombian-journalist-rafael-poveda-denies-sexual-abuse-accusations ### 2026-07-30: Jorge Alfredo Vargas faces sexual harassment hearing in Colombia Colombian journalist Jorge Alfredo Vargas is set for a sexual‑harassment hearing after four women filed complaints; the Fiscalía seeks formal charges, with a possible date of Aug 3, 2024. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jorge-alfredo-vargas-faces-sexual-harassment-hearing-in-colombia ### 2026-07-15: Colombian journalist Jorge Alfredo Vargas faces sexual‑harassment charges Colombia’s Fiscalía seeks a hearing to formally charge journalist Jorge Alfredo Vargas with sexual harassment after four women filed complaints; he was dismissed from Caracol TV in March 2026 and denies the al​ 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-costeos-gang-faces-murder-trial-and-surrender-request-in-colombia --- Cite as: Colombian journalism sexual harassment investigations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sexual-misconduct-allegations-in-colombian-journalism