Presenter Quits After Falsely Saying Messi's Father Died.
LUZU TV cut ties with staff after the false claim, and up to 10 sponsors reportedly dropped advertising.
- On Thursday, presenter Florencia Peña resigned from Argentine streaming network LUZU TV after falsely announcing the death of Jorge Messi, father of soccer star Lionel Messi, during a live broadcast.
- Responding to the false report, the Messi family released a statement Thursday confirming Jorge Messi is recovering in the hospital from an undisclosed health issue, condemning the lack of sensitivity surrounding his condition.
- Apologizing to the family, Peña claimed the production team provided the false information, stating, "I am deeply ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain."
- Following the incident, LUZU TV founder Nicolás Occhiato confirmed the network severed ties with those responsible, stating, "The authorities at Luzu TV have decided to sever ties."
- Up to ten brands have dropped sponsorship of the channel, which has become a popular news outlet for Argentinians since its 2020 launch.
41 Articles
41 Articles
Argentine actress and TV presenter Florencia Pena has publicly apologized to the soccer superstar's family after a fake news story about the death of Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi. All employees involved in the misinformation have lost their jobs, Luzu TV said. Pena herself has terminated her contract, both parties confirmed.
There are occasions in the world of journalism in which not contracting information well can end up generating decisive consequences. This was precisely the case of the presenter Florencia Peña. A few hours ago, she revealed live on Luzu TV that Messi's father had died, a tragic announcement that was gaining strength due to the delicate moment of health in which the progenitor of the Argentine star was present. However, the footballer's family s…
Presenter Resigns & Apologizes After Falsely Reporting Death Of Lionel Messi’s Father
An Argentinian presenter has resigned after falsely announcing the death of football superstar Lionel Messi’s father live on air. Florencia Peña left her role at Luzu TV following the incident, during which he relayed information at Jorge Messi had died. She later made an emotional apology to the Messi family. During Luzu TV’s El Show […]
Argentine presenter Florencia Peña announced during a television broadcast that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, had died. The news turned out to be false, so Peña herself ended her cooperation with the television station, and several employees were fired.
Argentina was stunned by the dramatic news.
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