Among those that Urban cut ties with was Jerry Flowers, a guitar player and his band leader for more than 25 years. He also let go of drummer Terence F. Clark and his keyboard player, Nathan Barlowe.

The controversy broke out when the face of "El Mencho" — who has a $15 million bounty on his head in the U.S. — was projected behind the band.

Band leader Alberto “Beto” Montenegro said he was saddened by Maduro’s attacks, but not surprised. The 36-year-old singer and his bandmates are part of the largest diaspora in the world ...