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Argentinian presenter Florencia Pena has resigned from Luso TV after mistakenly announcing the death of star Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi live during the broadcast of Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria, in an incident that sparked outrage across the country, the Lionel Messi website reported.BBC:“.
According to a statement later released by Messi’s family, the 68-year-old’s father is receiving treatment for a health condition, undergoing medical tests and recovering, criticizing speculation surrounding his health and demanding that his privacy be respected during this difficult time.
Peña made the controversial statement after Argentina’s three-goal victory over Algeria when he said on the broadcast: “I don’t want to give you bad news, but Messi’s father just died. His death was sudden, in the middle of the World Cup.”
The fake news spread quickly on social media, before the host explained that the information was unconfirmed, but the damage had already been done.
“I apologize to Messi’s family. I am deeply ashamed of my part in this mistake.”
The presenter and actress clarified on social networks on Thursday. “I want to make it clear that this false information was given to me live as if it had been verified by the show’s production team and I trusted it.”
He added: “However, I take responsibility for being a part of this mistake, which is why I have decided to withdraw and stop my participation in the Lozo show. My sincere apologies again, I made a mistake.
For its part, Luzo TV apologized and announced disciplinary measures after the incident, stressing that publishing sensitive information without verifying it is unacceptable.
“We at Lozo TV deeply regret what happened on the air during ‘El Cho de Verano,'” said the show’s host and producer, Nicolas Occiato. “Broadcasting sensitive information for our channel without prior verification is unacceptable.”
He added: “For this reason, the management of Lozo TV decided to terminate the services of all officials and Florencia Peña decided to resign. We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful and fair journalism.”
The fake report sparked widespread criticism in Argentina, with many fans condemning the failure to verify the information before it was broadcast, while Argentina’s president, Javier Milli, described the publication as “nonsense”.
“Pena’s outrageous, unethical and undocumented statements on a live broadcast, which even if the information were true, because they concern a citizen’s private life, remind us of the impunity with which some people think they can act simply because they have a microphone or a pen.”
The uproar came after Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, as the 38-year-old became emotional during the game and later revealed he was having a “difficult few days” for personal reasons unrelated to football.
Notably, Argentina continue their World Cup campaign against Austria next Monday, while the incident underscores the importance of vetting information before publishing it, especially on sensitive matters involving individuals’ private lives.
