Ex-NASA Worker Hired to Play Mariachi Music
In a trending Tiktok video, an Ex-NASA worker was hired to play mariachi music as client's cheating ex moves out. Tiktok: zachary.w / maliyatrvinoo

A bizarre act of post-breakup theatre reveals unexpected flair and a retreat from space.

A former NASA engineer, now a mariachi musician, provided a serenade of 'Guantanamera' to a man accused of cheating as he packed his belongings, turning a painful split into an unforgettable internet spectacle.

Dating back to early September 2025, a TikTok video posted by user @zachary.w went viral after capturing the odd scene: his ex-partner, accused of infidelity, moving out while being followed inside the home by a mariachi performer singing the iconic protest-turned-folk anthem.

Zachary, the orchestrator of the moment, is seen calmly sipping champagne in the background as boxes are loaded, the music providing dramatic irony. The video has accumulated millions of views and sparked widespread commentary about creative vengeance, emotional closure and boundary-pushing performance.

Retired NASA Engineer Turns Side-Gig Mariachi

The mariachi musician in question is Luis, recently retired after a notable 36-year career at NASA, and now working as a consultant for a Canadian aerospace engineering firm.

In a follow-up clip shared by his grandchild, Luis explained he took his role seriously despite the comedic framing and even braced for escalation. 'I was taking it seriously... I was worried that it could get ugly', he said.

@maliyatrevinoo

@luistrevino48 🎶🪇 @Zachary me and my family have been CACKLING over this for WEEKS I’m glad everyone found it as funny as we did! Guantanamera!!! #mariachi #cheatingex #exmovingout #hiredmariachi #ragebait

♬ original sound - MALIYA
Ex-NASA worker, Luis, explained he took his role seriously in a Tiktok video shared by his granddaughter.

Matters became tense when the ex-partner reportedly slammed the door on Luis's foot and pushed his hand as the musician followed into the townhouse, yet Luis stayed composed and continued to play, demonstrating impressive professionalism.

This unusual transition of a rocket scientist turned mariachi has captivated audiences, not least because of the surreal juxtaposition between aerospace credentials and emotive musical performance. As one commenter remarked: 'He's a mariachi NASA rocket scientist??? We need a whole Netflix series!!!'

Internet Reaction and Viral Fame

Unsurprisingly, social media exploded in delight and disbelief. Bored Panda, one of the platforms covering the story, described it as 'Hilarious Mariachi Revenge On Cheating Ex Goes Mega Viral' and noted how the ex-partner appeared distracted, and one even dropped a TV while packing.

Viewers flooded comments with admiration for the level of petty spectacle. 'We Need A Whole Netflix Series!', became a trending catchphrase. Others joked about the musical slight: 'He will never enjoy a Mexican restaurant again! Good job!'

Comments Flood Viral Tiktok Video
Comments flood viral Tiktok video of an Ex-NASA worker hired as a mariachi performer. Tiktok: maliyatrevinoo

The choice of 'Guantanamera', with lyrics adapted from Cuban poet José Martí, added unintended poetic resonance. The song, rooted in themes of freedom and identity, worked as a fitting backdrop to the narrative of a relationship ending in betrayal, as viewers noted.

Drama, Closure — or Something Else Entirely?

This blend of emotional revenge and performance accentuates the blurred line between catharsis and spectacle. For Zachary, this may have served as theatrical closure; an act of reclaiming peace, or simply a viral bid for attention. But for Luis, it was another gig, one with unexpected stakes.

Original viral Tiktok video uploaded by user @zachary.w saying, 'This is your sign to hire a mariachi performer'.

The incident raises questions about modern breakups and how they spill into public consumption. The internet has no shortage of breakup dramatics, but this one stands out for its bizarre mix of musical artistry, scientific pedigree and gender politics.

For the ex moving out, the ordeal may be one they remember longer than the relationship itself. And for viewers, it's a bizarre vignette that makes us ask: when heartbreak enters the public arena, who's performing and who's healing?