Cuban Rapper Arrested for Allegedly Stalking and Harassing Ex-Girlfriend in Miami-Dade
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FL — A Cuban rapper living in South Florida is behind bars this week after being accused of a relentless campaign of stalking, harassment, and public shaming against his former girlfriend following the end of their relationship.
Michael Marichal, 49, was arrested Wednesday in Miami Gardens and is now facing charges of stalking, aggravated harassment, and cyberstalking, according to arrest records obtained by CBS News Miami.
Marichal, who performs under the name “Marichal”, promotes himself as a poet and rapper with over 2,200 monthly Spotify listeners and is the author of a Spanish-language poetry book titled “El Paraíso Del Abuso Y La Mentira” (The Paradise of Abuse and Lies), which explores Cuban culture and identity.
Relationship Turns Hostile After Breakup
The alleged victim told police she and Marichal had been in a nine-month romantic relationship and had lived together in Doral before breaking up about a month ago. In the weeks following the split, she reported that Marichal began a disturbing pattern of digital harassment that escalated quickly.
Between May 21 and June 5, the victim said she received dozens of unwanted emails, social media messages, and texts from Marichal — including explicit content and public accusations that she had given him a sexually transmitted disease.
He allegedly posted a photo of the woman online along with the STD claim, which she says damaged her career as a personal trainer, since clients saw the posts and began questioning her. She also told police that Marichal sent a box of condoms to her home with a message implying she should use them to avoid infecting others.
Despite the woman changing her phone number, Marichal reportedly obtained the new one and continued messaging her. According to arrest documents, the harassment didn’t stop there — he allegedly tracked her location, contacted her coworkers, and called her expletives in messages sent via email and WhatsApp.
Harassment Spreads to Her Children
In an alarming development, Marichal allegedly extended his harassment to the woman’s children, sending them messages on WhatsApp that included sexually explicit insults and attacks on their mother’s character.
The victim provided screenshots to police, including a message in which Marichal allegedly called her a “cheater” and repeated the STD accusation. Her children, according to the documents, attempted to block him but reported that he continued trying to contact them.
The woman also told police that she no longer felt safe at home or at work, constantly looking over her shoulder, and unsure of what Marichal might do next. Officers described her as visibly fearful and emotionally distressed.
Arrest in Miami Gardens
After confirming the pattern of harassment and reviewing evidence provided by the victim, investigators located Marichal in Miami Gardens and took him into custody without incident. He was transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he remains held on multiple charges.
Marichal has not issued a public statement, and his legal representation was not immediately listed in court records.
The case raises renewed concern over the use of social media and digital tools to intimidate, defame, and harass former partners, particularly when private relationships turn toxic in public spaces.
Authorities are encouraging anyone experiencing similar harassment to report it to local law enforcement or seek help through available victim advocacy services.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault or harassment, help is available. Contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit www.rainn.org for confidential support.
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